Moves to defrock Catholic priest who abused boys

A former Dunedin priest convicted of abusing four boys — and alleged to have targeted many more — finally faces the possibility of being defrocked by the Vatican.

The defrocking — or laicisation — of Father Magnus Murray has been referred to the Vatican, where it is being considered under the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, the understands.

The process is believed to have started late last year, and it is understood any outcome is likely to be weeks or months away.

The matter is understood to have been referred to the Vatican by Hamilton Bishop Steve Lowe, as Murray — now aged in his early 90s — remained part of the Hamilton diocese despite now living in Auckland. Bishop Lowe would not comment when contacted this week, saying he was prevented from doing so by the church’s “judicial process”.

Dunedin Bishop Michael Dooley would also not be drawn on the details of the process, which he was not involved in, but reiterated his support for the move. “I haven’t got any part to play on it, but I’ve been publicly on record as saying I think he should be laicised — and the sooner the better, really.”

The move to strip Murray of his status came after fresh revelations about the extent of his offending.

Murray had been convicted in 2003 of 10 offences against four Dunedin boys, dating to between 1958 and 1972. But an ODT investigation had since revealed how then-Bishop John Kavanagh sent Murray to Australia for treatment in 1972 then endorsed his return to public ministry in the North Island.

He was eventually asked to retire in 1990, as suggestions of further offending in Waihi and Ngaruawahia swirled.