Search for Kiwi monk missing on Scottish island called off, as he’s presumed dead, diocese says

The New Zealand monk who went missing from a remote Scottish island monastery is presumed dead, and the search for him has been called off, the Diocese of Aberdeen says.

Police Scotland appealed for information about Christchurch man Justin Evans, 24, after he went missing from the Golgotha Monastery located on Papa Stronsay, Orkney.

He was last seen at the monastery before midnight on April 11 (local time).

In a statement, the Diocese of Aberdeen in Scotland said it learned “with deep sadness” of the disappearance and presumed death of Evans, whom it called Brother Ignatius.

The diocese said police and coastguard had called off search efforts.

“It is believed that he came to harm in conditions involving the sea.”

“Brother Ignatius was known for his humility and charity, and our prayers are with his community and family at this difficult time.”

Scottish police searched for New Zealand monk, Justin Evans, who went missing from a remote Orkney monastery. Photo / Scotland police

Evans is from Christchurch, where he grew up and attended local schools.

The monastery was established by the traditionalist Catholic order Sons of the Most Holy Redeemer, which has New Zealand links.

A statement from Police Scotland after Evans’ disappearance described him as being around 6ft (1.82m) tall, with short hair and a dark beard.

He spoke with a New Zealand accent and was last seen wearing a white robe, police said.

Inspector David Hall said extensive searches for Evans were being carried out.

Photos posted to the monastery’s Facebook page offered a glimpse into Evans’ monastic lifestyle.

New Zealand monk Justin Evans, 24, originally from Christchurch, was last seen in a white robe at Golgotha Monastery before his disappearance. Photo / Insula Papey Minor

Called Insula Papey Minor (the island’s Latinised name), it documents life for its resident congregation, which family and friends can follow online from afar.

Evans was most recently pictured reading scripture during a service marking the feast of the Presentation of the Lord, known colloquially as Candlemas, at the beginning of February.

He also partook in a traditional blessing ceremony during the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6, with footage seen by the Herald capturing the New Zealander singing and waving a bell in unison with fellow monks.

Sons of the Most Holy Redeemer, which was founded in the late 1980s, has faced controversy in New Zealand.

Recently, its members were told to leave the Diocese of Christchurch in July 2024, following an investigation at the Vatican’s request, according to the Catholic Herald.

The Press reported in 2023 that the investigation concerned alleged abuse and unauthorised exorcisms.

The order appealed the ban, but in August last year Bishop Michael Gielen of the Diocese of Christchurch said it had been rejected, the Catholic Herald reported.