BishopAccountability.org
	Church Withholds Comment on SNAP Visit Pacific News Center March 26, 2010 http://www.pacificnewscenter.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3997:church-holds-comment-on-snap-visit&catid=45:guam-news&Itemid=156 [with video] little has been said by Guam's Archdiocese since the arrival of a SNAP representative here, who has been calling for some sort of acknowledgment that some clergy members here have committed acts of sexual abuse against island youth. Snap was established to aide victims of abuse at the hands of clergy members. There has been no comment from the Arch Diocese of Agana on the visit by members of the support network for those abused by priest. Southwest Regional Director Joelle Casteix arrived on Tuesday to establish a network system on Guam. During her visit also held a group meeting, and private one on one sessions. And while the turn out was not as she expected, Casteix did meet with mental health and other support organizations to set up venues for victims who need help. Casteix also spent some time with the media, exposing what she called evidence that certain members of Guam's clergy have been involved in sexual abuse cases. The snap director called on the arch bishop to acknowledge the abuse cases, and offer help to victims. But the arch bishop is off island, and until today the public affairs officer Deacon Jeff Barcinas had been off island. Barcinas does say a statement is forthcoming. The Arch Bishop Anthony Apuron did say in a previous statement, the church will take seriously all claims of sexual abuse by any member of the clergy, but he staunchly refuted claims that any member of the church had been charged with or convicted of sexual abuse. Two meetings were set up to meet with victims, but as it turns out very few people- if any showed up. Casteix is expected to leave Guam tomorrow.
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