Father Paul F. Reynolds
Ordained: 1965
Status: Accused
Deceased: 2017
Assignment History
- 1965-1969: Blessed Sacrament Church (Providence, RI)
- 1969-1982: St. Lawrence Church (North Providence, RI)
- 1982-1992: St. Martha Church (East Providence, RI)
- 1992-2007: St. Mary Church (West Warwick, RI)
- February-November 2007: Medical leave of absence
- November 2007: Retired as Pastor Emeritus of St. Mary Church (West Warwick, RI)
Summary of Sexual Abuse Allegations Against Father Paul F. Reynolds
Father Paul F. Reynolds was ordained a priest in 1965 and served in the Diocese of Providence in Rhode Island for more than four decades. He served at several Rhode Island parishes, including St. Lawrence Church in North Providence, where multiple men later alleged that Reynolds sexually abused them as children in the 1970s.
According to BishopAccountability.org, Reynolds was publicly named as accused in the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 report on child sexual abuse in the Diocese of Providence. Based on the available source information, Reynolds does not appear to be included on the Diocese of Providence list of clergy who have been credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor.
Reynolds retired in 2007 as Pastor Emeritus of St. Mary Church in West Warwick. He died on October 30, 2017.
Allegations Against Father Paul F. Reynolds
According to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 report, two men filed lawsuits in 2020 alleging that Reynolds sexually abused them as children in the 1970s while he was assigned to St. Lawrence Parish in North Providence. Both lawsuits were reportedly dismissed because of the statute of limitations.
One man alleged that he was a 9-year-old altar boy in 1974 when Reynolds sexually abused him after he fell asleep in a church pew. He alleged that Reynolds later told him not to tell anyone about what happened.
A second man alleged that Reynolds sexually abused him when he was an 8- or 9-year-old altar boy in 1976 or 1977. According to BishopAccountability.org, he alleged that Reynolds repeatedly touched and grabbed him and forced him to perform oral sex.
A third man alleged that Reynolds attempted to pull down his pants and underwear when he was a 10-year-old altar boy in 1975. He reportedly said he told his parents that day and that his father went to the parish and told Father James Lamb what had happened.
Diocese of Providence Response to Father Paul F. Reynolds Allegations
According to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 report, Reynolds remained in ministry after at least one alleged report was made to parish leadership in the 1970s.
The report states that one alleged survivor said his father reported the incident to Father James Lamb at St. Lawrence Parish. Reynolds continued serving in the Diocese of Providence for decades after the alleged abuse.
Reynolds retired in November 2007 and died in 2017.
Father Paul F. Reynolds and Institutional Failures
Reynolds’ case reflects concerns raised in the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 report about allegations of clergy sexual abuse that were not meaningfully addressed at the time they were reportedly disclosed.
According to the available source information, multiple men later alleged that Reynolds sexually abused them as altar boys at St. Lawrence Parish in North Providence in the 1970s. One alleged survivor reportedly said his father complained to parish leadership, yet Reynolds remained in ministry.
Reynolds was included on the Rhode Island Attorney General’s list of credibly accused clergy in Appendix A of the Attorney General’s 2026 report on child sexual abuse in the Diocese of Providence. Based on the available source information, he does not appear to be included on the Diocese of Providence list of clergy who have been credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor.
Frequently Asked Questions About Father Paul F. Reynolds
Can I sue for sexual abuse by a priest in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island’s new two-year revival window, beginning July 1, 2026, allows survivors of child sexual abuse to file claims that were previously blocked by the statute of limitations. You can bring a claim during this two-year window regardless of how long ago the abuse occurred. Because there is a deadline to file your claim, survivors should speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
How long do I have to sue for sexual abuse in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island’s new law creates a two-year window for certain older child sexual abuse claims beginning July 1, 2026. Claims must be filed by June 30, 2028. Survivors should not wait, because it may be necessary to gather relevant documents, investigate the claim, and determine the appropriate parties to sue.
Can the Diocese of Providence be sued for my sexual abuse by a priest?
Possibly. Survivors may have claims against the Diocese of Providence or another Catholic institution, including parishes and schools, if there is evidence that the institution knew or should have known about the risk of abuse and failed to protect children. Horowitz Law attorneys can review the facts of your case and explain your legal options.
Was Father Paul F. Reynolds listed as credibly accused by the Diocese of Providence?
Based on the available source information, no. Father Paul F. Reynolds does not appear to be included on the Diocese of Providence list of clergy who have been credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor. However, he was included on the Rhode Island Attorney General’s list of credibly accused clergy in Appendix A of the Attorney General’s 2026 report on child sexual abuse in the Diocese of Providence.
Rhode Island Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawsuits
Rhode Island’s new law creates a two-year revival window, beginning July 1, 2026, for certain older child sexual abuse claims. Horowitz Law is bringing these lawsuits in Rhode Island and has collected evidence of the Diocese of Providence’s negligence. The revival window allows survivors of clergy sexual abuse to pursue claims that were previously blocked by the statute of limitations. Filing deadlines will apply, so survivors should speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
Horowitz Law Is Here to Help
Horowitz Law is a law firm representing victims and survivors of sexual abuse by Catholic priests and other clergy connected to the Diocese of Providence in Rhode Island. If you need a lawyer because you were sexually abused by a priest or clergy member in Rhode Island, contact our office today. Although many years have passed, those abused by a priest or clergy member in Rhode Island may have legal options due to Rhode Island’s new two-year revival window for certain child sexual abuse claims, but filing deadlines will apply, so do not delay in reaching out to us.
Contact us at 888-283-9922 or email sexual abuse lawyer Adam Horowitz for a free consultation.