Diocese: Archdiocese of Santa Fe
Notes: From NY. Trained as Jesuit. Ordained by Gallup. Transferred to Santa Fe. Archdiocese became aware of behavior and sent him to counseling several times; each time would transfer him to new church. Kirsch allegedly sexually abused a girl at St. Thomas Apostle Church in Abiquiu NM beginning when she was age 15, 1973-1977. She filed civil suit in 1991. He caused girl to have an abortion. He admitted sex but said she was 19 by then. Suit dismissed 1993 on SOL and dismissal upheld by NM Court of Appeals. Died 11/05.
Sources: Seattle Post Intelligencer 12.14.92; Associated Press 01.02.93; Associated Press 04.29.93; Albuquerque Journal 07.21.95; Albuquerque Journal 01.13.02; CBS 60 Minutes 04.21.02; Albuquerque Journal 11.05.05; Gallup Independent 05.28.11; Gallup Independent 11.11.13; Diocese of Gallup [downloaded 02.28.15; Arizona Journal 11.21.15; http://bishop-accountability.org/