Fr. Peter Kihm – Archdiocese of New York

On Behalf of | Aug 1, 2020 | Abuser Profiles, Catholic Church

Father Peter Kihm

Archdiocese of New York

Ordained: 1981

Suspended: 2015

Laicized: 2016

Assignment History:

  • 1981-1984: St. Mary Star of the Sea (New York City, NY)
  • 1984-1987: St. Mary’s (Fishkill, NY)
  • 1987-1992: Faculty Member at Our Lady of Lourdes High School (Poughkeepsie, NY)
  • 1994-1996: St. Ann’s (Ossining, NY)
  • 1996-1999: St. Ann’s (Nyack, NY)
  • 1999-2007: St. John the Baptist (Poughkeepsie, NY)
  • 1999-2015: Our Lady of Mt. Carmel (Poughkeepsie, NY)
  • 2013-2015: The Good Shepherd (Rhinebeck, NY)
  • 2013-2015: St. Joseph’s (Rhinecliff, NY)
  • 2015-2016: Suspended

Summary of Sexual Abuse Allegations Against Father Peter Kihm:

Fr. Peter Kihm assisted in parishes in Brooklyn, Fishkill, Ossining, and Nyak, New York In 1999, he was a lead priest in Poughkeepsie, Rhinebeck, and Rhinecliff, NY.

In 2015, Kihm was suspended by the Archdiocese of New York after a male survivor alleged that Kihm sexually abused him as a child in 1985 while serving at St. Mary’s in Fishkill, NY.

According to media reports, the Archdiocese had discussed their concerns about Kihm a few months prior to his removal, which they had discussed with the District Attorney, but they were only able to take action after the victim came forward. At least one other individual came forward to accuse Kihm of abuse that also occurred 30 years prior. Kihm denied the allegations, but they were deemed credible by both the Archdiocese of New York and law enforcement.

Kihm could not be prosecuted because New York’s statute of limitations had expired. He was laicized in 2016. In May 2017 and October 2017, the Archdiocese settled with the victims through the Archdiocese’s compensation program.

Kihm is listed on the Archdiocese of New York’s 2019 List of Archdiocesan Clergy Credibly Accused of Sexual Abuse of a Minor or the Subject of Eligible IRCP Compensation Claims.

His current whereabouts and whether he has access to children are unknown.

Horowitz Law is a law firm representing victims and survivors of sexual abuse by Catholic priests and other clergy in the Archdiocese of New York. If you need a lawyer because you were sexually abused by a priest or other Catholic clergy in New York State, contact our office today. Although many years have passed, those abused by Catholic clergy in the Archdiocese of New York now have legal options, but filing deadlines will apply so do not delay in reaching out to us. Our lawyers have decades of experience representing survivors of clergy sexual abuse in New York and nationwide. We can help.

Contact us at 888-283-9922 or [email protected] to discuss your options today.