An advocate for sexual abuse survivors says he feels nauseated and victims have been retraumatised by the sudden defrocking of paedophile priest Magnus Murray.
Murray was defrocked this week - 15 years after he was convicted of abusing four boys - but his return to the spotlight came with little to no warning for many of his victims.
Sexual abuse survivors advocate Murray Heasley says he's been inundated with messages from re-traumatised victims.
"What's happened is his defrocking without any warning from the church to victims, like a heads up, has triggered horrible memories for victims and survivors up and down the country," said Heasley.
In 2003, the Dunedin priest was convicted and then jailed for the sexual offending of four young boys over a 14 year period - finally some closure, for those he hurt.
"It's affected my whole family, my whole life, haven't been able to work full time, because he ruined you in the things that he did," said one victim with name suppression.
The Catholic Church says it was a complicated process because of Murray's age and health, and while it recognises his removal from the priesthood does not take away any of the harm he caused, it's hopeful it may provide a sense of justice being done.
"They need to be victim survivor listening focussed, not pontificating about' look what we've done we've defrocked a man'," said Heasley.
The Pope has recently issued a new law in a bid to end sexual abuse and cover ups in the church.
Murray's defrocking is one step in that direction.
Newshub.
