CNA Staff, Aug 12, 2025 / 15:52 pm

A religious institute in New Zealand has lost its appeal to the Vatican to continue public ministry in the Diocese of Christchurch after the local bishop ordered the ban amid allegations of unauthorized exorcisms and other abuses.

Christchurch Bishop Michael Gielen said in an Aug. 10 letter to his diocese that the Vatican “rejected in its entirety” the appeal of the Sons of the Most Holy Redeemer after Gielen forbade the community from ministering in Christchurch last year.

The bishop said in July 2024 that the community had been subject to an apostolic visitation by Australian Bishop Robert McGuckin. Gielen removed the ministry faculties of the members after the Vatican’s recommendation and also asked the group “to leave the Christchurch Diocese.”

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