 Despite his original support for their ecumenical work, Gorman relieved four Texan Paulist priests of their duties in 1967 for purportedly neglecting their responsibility of servicing the Newman Clubs at local colleges.His decision met widespread opposition, but he refused to reverse it.On August 22, 1969, Gorman retired as Bishop of Dallas and was named Titular Bishop of "Pinhel", later resigned that title on January 21, 1971.