Bishop child sex offence case adjourned

The case against the head of the Catholic Church's military diocese, who is accused of child sex offences dating back 45 years, has been deferred until next year.

Bishop Max Leroy Davis, 68, has been charged with three counts of indecently dealing with a 13-year-old boy in 1969 when he was teaching at St Benedict's College in New Norcia, northeast of Perth.

The matter was heard briefly in Perth Magistrates Court on Friday, but was adjourned until January 23.

Davis, who now lives in the ACT, was not required to appear in person.

His lawyer, Seamus Rafferty, has previously said Davis would plead not guilty.

It is understood Davis is the first Australian bishop and the most senior Australian church official to be charged with a child sex offence.

However, he was not an ordained priest at the time of the alleged offences.

Davis must continue to report to Belconnen Police Station in the ACT.