Father Timothy J. Gorton

Ordained: 1982

Status: Accused

Deceased: 2021

Assignment History

1982-1984: St. Joseph Church (Cumberland, RI)
1984: St. Joseph Church (Newport, RI)
1984-1989: Our Lady of Providence Preparatory Seminary High School (Providence, RI)
1987-1989: St. Mark Church (Cranston, RI)
1989-1993: St. Ann Church (Cranston, RI)
1993-1997: St. Mary of the Bay Church (Warren, RI)
1994-1997: Roger Williams University (Bristol, RI)
1997-2004: St. Francis of Assisi Church (Warwick, RI)
2004-2007: St. Joseph Church (Pawtucket, RI)
2007-2008: Medical Leave of Absence
2008-2012: Precious Blood Church (Woonsocket, RI)
2008-2012: St. Agatha Church (Woonsocket, RI)
2012: Suspended and retired

Summary of Sexual Abuse Allegations Against Father Timothy J. Gorton

Father Timothy J. Gorton was ordained a priest in 1982 and served in the Diocese of Providence in Rhode Island for approximately 30 years. According to the Diocese of Providence list of credibly accused clergy, Gorton has been identified as credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor. He served at several Rhode Island parishes and institutions, including St. Joseph Church in Cumberland, Our Lady of Providence Preparatory Seminary High School in Providence, St. Francis of Assisi Church in Warwick, and Precious Blood Church and St. Agatha Church in Woonsocket.

According to BishopAccountability.org, Gorton was removed from his assignment at Precious Blood Parish in Woonsocket in April 2012 after an allegation of misconduct dating back to approximately 30 years ago. Gorton died on June 18, 2021.

Allegations Against Father Timothy J. Gorton

According to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 report, Gorton’s nephew reported to law enforcement in January 2012 that Gorton sexually abused him repeatedly when he was 12 years old in 1983.

The alleged abuse reportedly occurred while Gorton was assigned to St. Joseph Church in Cumberland. According to additional source information, the alleged abuse involved incidents at St. Joseph Church in Cumberland and in Narragansett, Rhode Island.

The survivor reportedly confronted Gorton directly in January 2012, but Gorton denied the allegations. According to BishopAccountability.org, there was no criminal prosecution because the statute of limitations had expired.

Diocese of Providence Review Board Findings

According to BishopAccountability.org, the Diocese of Providence Review Board found the allegations against Gorton credible. The Diocese stated that Gorton retired without priestly privileges for health reasons and because of the Review Board’s finding that the allegations were credible.

According to additional source information, the Vatican declined to laicize Gorton but directed him to live a life of prayer and penance.

Gorton was included on the Diocese of Providence list of clergy who have been credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor in 2019. He was also included in Appendix A of the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 report on child sexual abuse in the Diocese of Providence.

Frequently Asked Questions About Father Timothy J. Gorton

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 Timothy J. Gorton listed as credibly accused by the Diocese of Providence?

Yes. Father Timothy J. Gorton 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 Appendix A of 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 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.

Father Timothy J. Gorton – Diocese of Providence