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Father Peter Kihm, pastor of Good Shepherd parish in Rhinebeck, has been asked to leave the parish and his ability to publicly function as a priest has been suspended due to a credible allegation that approximately 30 years ago he “committed acts of sexual abuse of a minor.”
On Jan. 25, Bishop Dominick J. Lagonegro, episcopal vicar of Ulster, Sullivan, Orange and Rockland, visited the Dutchess parish and its mission, St. Joseph’s in Rhinecliff, to speak at all four Sunday Masses, including two he celebrated, to share “upsetting news” directly with parishioners.
The bishop, in prepared remarks, said, “The allegation has not yet been substantiated, and Father Kihm has denied the allegation, but in keeping with the policy and practice of the archdiocese, and in conformity with the promises we bishops made to you in the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People of the United States Conference, Father Kihm has been asked to leave the parish and his ability to publicly function as a priest has been suspended, at least until the matter is resolved.”
The bishop also said Father Kihm “is currently in a supervised setting while he undergoes a thorough evaluation and risk assessment.”
As per archdiocesan policies, the allegation was reported to the District Attorney for Dutchess County, and the archdiocese will cooperate in any investigations that ensue. The bishop told parishioners if they had “concerns or suspicions” regarding Father Kihm, “we strongly urge you to contact Assistant District Attorney Kristine Whelan of the Dutchess County District Attorney’s Office” at (845) 486-2300.
The entire matter will also be studied and evaluated by the archdiocesan lay professional review board. If additional information is discovered, “we will share it with you,” Bishop Lagonegro told parishioners.
Father Kihm, a priest of the archdiocese since his ordination in 1981, had served at Good Shepherd since August 2013. Before that, he was pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Poughkeepsie, 1999-2013, and also served as administrator of St. John the Baptist, Poughkeepsie.
He was parochial vicar of St. Ann’s, Nyack, 1994-1999; St. Ann’s, Ossining, 1992-1994; St. Mary’s, Fishkill, 1984-1987; and St. Mary Star of the Sea, City Island, the Bronx, 1981-1984. He was on the faculty at Our Lady of Lourdes High School, Poughkeepsie, 1987-1992.
A letter about the allegations from Auxiliary Bishop Gerald T. Walsh, who is vicar for clergy, was sent to pastors and those in authority at Father Kihm’s other assignments with the request it be read and communicated with parishioners.
At Good Shepherd, Bishop Lagonegro explained, “The protection of our children is one of our highest priorities,” and noted the “great strides” made in recent years by the Catholic Church in the United States and around the world “in dealing with this particular crime and sin.”
Despite the improvements, the bishop said, “even a single act of abuse is too many, and we will remain vigilant in our efforts to do all that we can to protect our children.”
“I ask that you keep in your prayers all those affected, in particular all victims/survivors of sexual abuse.”
