Fr. Gordon J. MacRae

Ordained: 1982
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Manchester NH

Entered the Capuchin order in 1972. Decided to leave the order to become a Diocesan priest. There were concerns in 1978 during his MacRae’s seminary training that he had psychological issues. The Diocese was aware of allegations against MacRae in 1983, yet kept him in ministry. He pleaded guilty in 1988 to paying a 14-year-old boy for sex. He received one year in jail, deferred, and was sent to NM for treatment. In 1993 MacRae was charged with 11 counts of molestation of at least four boys. He was convicted in 9/1994 of raping a boy ten years prior, and pleaded guilty to having assaulted three other boys in 1983. He was sentenced in 11/1994 to 33 1/2 to 67 years in prison. Multiple civil suits were filed. [See Major Account for much information and related documents.] Included in the 2003 NH Attorney General’s Report. There were multiple appeals. MacRae was still in prison in 2/2014, continuing to deny guilt. A Federal appeal case was filed in 2/2014. Included in 2019 on the Manchester diocese’s list of accused.


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