BishopAccountability.org

National support network demands Vatican remove Apuron

By Krystal Paco
KUAM
May 31, 2016

http://www.kuam.com/story/32098800/2016/05/31/national-support-network-demands-vatican-remove-apuron

Now that two alleged victims have surfaced against Archbishop Anthony Apuron, the Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests is calling on the Vatican and Pope Francis to adhere to their promises of child safety. In a statement from SNAP western regional director Joelle Casteix, the organization urges that the Vatican and Pope Francis step in and publicly remove Apuron from his office until a complete and independent investigation is complete.

SNAP also offered consoling words to Doris Concepcion:

"Parents of sexual abuse victims carry an awful and painful burden. Ms. Concepcion only wanted the best for her son. She had no idea that she was possibly putting her child in the path of a predator. We hope that Ms. Concepcion finds the peace and healing she so deeply deserves. Her powerful words and story have made is safer for victims of abuse everywhere-no matter the predator-to come forward and find healing and justice."

Two brave people have now come forward to allege child sexual abuse at the hands of Archbishop Apuron. The time for "internal investigations," bullying parishioners, and maintaining the status quo is over.

It is time for the Vatican and Pope Francis to adhere to their promises of child safety. They must immediately step in and publicly remove Apuron from his office until a complete and independent investigation is complete.

In the meantime, Apuron should and must do the right thing and voluntarily step aside. No cleric, especially an archbishop, should remain in ministry when he has two credible allegations of abuse that have not been investigated.

We implore other victims to come forward to law enforcement and civil authorities. As Roy Quintanilla and Doris Concepcion have shown Guam's victims of abuse, help and support are available."

SNAP is the world's oldest and largest support group for clergy abuse victims and stands more than 20,000 members strong.

 




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