Over a month on the job and Guam's interim apostolic administrator, Archbishop Savio Hon Tai Fai, is speaking out on the allegations of possible sexual abuse perpetrated by clergy. Archbishop Hon was appointed by the Vatican to lead the Agana Archdiocese in the midst of allegations of rape and molestation made against Archbishop Anthony Apuron, who has since been placed on leave.

While he's yet to address island media, Archbishop Hon is providing weekly messages to the faithful via the Umatuna Si Yu'os, the catholic newspaper of the Archdiocese of Agana. This week, he addresses the divide in the church as a result of the allegations of sexual abuse by clergy. "Everybody wants to have good and holy priests. There is no doubt about it. Unfortunately, when scandals break out, we priests appear suspicious of committing something bad or of covering it up," he wrote.

Hon further notes that the vast majority of priests are not sex abusers, and that no one is immune from trials and temptations. "sometimes, priests do fall." He adds that the Agana Archdiocese is learning a lesson and making efforts to improve policy for responding to allegations of sexual abuse perpetrated by a church official. The current policy, he says, is being revised by experts and will be approved by the Presbyteral Council.

"It will include clear provisions for the event of accusations against the Archbishop himself. Hopefully the policy will heighten awareness and promote transparent and respectable moral behavior."

Although sinful clergy can validly celebrate sacraments, Hon states it doesn't mean they should be active pastors. "It all depends on the gravity of the matter and the situation of the pastor concerned." He closes with asking for prayer for the bishops, priests, and deacons so they may remain with Christ.