Father Roger E. Belhumeur

Ordained: 1961

Status: Accused

Deceased: 2010

Assignment History

1961-1962: St. Joseph College (Mountain View, CA)
1962-1963: Immaculate Conception Church (Cranston, RI)
1963-1965: Our Lady of Good Counsel Church (West Warwick, RI)
1963-1973: Our Lady of Providence Seminary (Warwick, RI)
1965-1969: St. Rose of Lima Church (Warwick, RI)
1969-1973: Immaculate Conception Church (Cranston, RI)
1973-1979: Mary, Immaculate Queen Novitiate (Newport, RI)
1974-1975: Fill-in priest, St. Mary Church (Newport, RI)
1979-1991: St. Agnes Church (Providence, RI)
1991-1994: St. Mary Church (Newport, RI)
1994: Retired as Pastor Emeritus, St. Agnes Church (Providence, RI)

Summary of Sexual Abuse Allegations Against Father Roger E. Belhumeur

Father Roger E. Belhumeur was ordained a priest in 1961 and served in the Diocese of Providence in Rhode Island. According to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s list of credibly accused clergy, Belhumeur has been identified as credibly accused of child sexual misconduct. He served at several Rhode Island parishes and diocesan institutions, including St. Rose of Lima Church in Warwick, Immaculate Conception Church in Cranston, Our Lady of Providence Seminary in Warwick, St. Agnes Church in Providence, and St. Mary Church in Newport.

According to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 report, the Diocese received a letter in May 1970 from a man who reported that Belhumeur had sexually assaulted his teenage son. The family were parishioners of St. Rose of Lima Church in Warwick, where Belhumeur was assigned. Some of the alleged abuse reportedly took place during Belhumeur’s later assignment at Immaculate Conception Church in Cranston.

The alleged victim later came forward to the Diocese in September 2005 and reported that Belhumeur sexually abused him approximately 30 to 40 times between 1969 and 1970. He was reportedly stunned to learn that his father had sent a letter to the Diocese in 1970.

According to BishopAccountability.org, the Director of the Diocese’s Office of Education and Compliance told the alleged victim that he believed him, but that there was no need to interview Belhumeur because of Belhumeur’s age and mental state.

Belhumeur allegedly abused the victim at St. Rose of Lima Church, in the rectory, and in other locations. The allegations also included an attempted sexual assault at Immaculate Conception Church in Cranston.

Despite the 1970 complaint, Belhumeur remained in ministry for decades and retired in 1994. According to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s report, the allegations were not referred to law enforcement until 2018, after a review of diocesan records. By that time, Belhumeur had died and could no longer be prosecuted.

The Rhode Island Attorney General’s report also describes allegations from a second complainant, who reported in 2022 that Belhumeur repeatedly sexually abused him as an altar boy in Newport during the mid-1970s. Although Belhumeur was not formally assigned to St. Mary Church in Newport at the time, he reportedly visited the parish frequently to assist with Mass.

Belhumeur died on September 28, 2010. In 2019, Belhumeur was included on the Diocese of Providence list of clergy who have been credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor. He was also included in the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 report on child sexual abuse in the Diocese of Providence.

Frequently Asked Questions About Father Roger E. Belhumeur

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 Roger E. Belhumeur listed as credibly accused by the Diocese of Providence?

Yes. Father Roger E. Belhumeur was included on the Diocese of Providence list of clergy who have been credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor. He was also included in the Rhode Island 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 in the Diocese of Providence. If you need a lawyer because you were sexually abused by a priest in Rhode Island, contact our office today. Although many years have passed, those abused by Catholic clergy in the Diocese of Providence 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.

Father Roger E. Belhumeur – Diocese of Providence