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Catholic priest exposed as paedophile
Catholic priest Michael Shirres exposed as paedophile
A prominent Catholic priest and theologian has been exposed as a paedophile.
Photo: RNZ / Brad White
The Catholic church said Father Michael Shirres, who died in the 1990s, abused at least five children.
He was a member of the Dominican Order and worked with Māori communities in Northland before becoming a University of Auckland theologian, who wrote about Māori spirituality.
Auckland Bishop Patrick Dunn said the order became aware of Shirres' offending in the 1990s and he went through an independent sex offenders programme.
The abuse had taking place in early 1970s and Shirres had admitted to it, he said.
The church had not contacted the police because at the time the victims said they did not want any publicity, Bishop Dunn said.
"The Dominican Order and the Catholic church did try as best they could to support those who approached them with these complaints," he said.
Bishop Dunn said he did not know of any other victims but encouraged any to come forward.
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