Archdiocese Official Speaks on Sex Abuse Bill, Neocatechumenal Way
By Steve Limtiaco and Masako Watanabe
The Archdiocese of Agana held a press conference today to address its concerns related to the recent passage of Bill 326-33. At the press conference, Father Jeff San Nicolas, speaking as delegate of temporary Archbishop Savio Hon Tai Fai's, said if the bill becomes law, it will bankrupt Guam's Catholic church. San Nicolas also spoke on the Neocatechumenal Way's influence over Guam's Catholic churches, stating Archbishop Anthony Apuron continued to arrogantly support the Neocatechumenal Way despite credible accusations of child sexual abuse against him. He said a majority of Guam's Catholics suffered while being kept in the dark about the leadership. Bill lifts statute of limitations for lawsuits Bill 326-33, which Guam lawmakers passed Sept. 12 by a vote of 13-0, with two senators absent, would retroactively lift the statute of limitations on civil lawsuits related to child sexual abuse. Alleged victims would be allowed to sue their abusers and also “their enablers” and “their institutions at the time.” The bill was introduced after several former Agat altar boys accused Archbishop Anthony Apuron of raping or molesting them in the late 1970s, when he was their parish priest. The alleged attacks happened too long ago for criminal prosecution, but Bill 326-33, by Sen. Frank Blas Jr., D-Barrigada, could allow Apuron, other alleged abusers and the church to be sued. Gov. Eddie Calvo has until Friday to act on the bill. Hon issued a statement from Rome last weekend, stating the bill will have “some very damaging unintended consequences” and force the local church into bankruptcy, with devastating effect on local Catholic schools and charitable work. “In other states where similar laws were enacted, the results have been school closures and the cessation of vital services,” Hon stated. “Thus, one of the unforeseen side effects of the bill will be to erase the good work of those in the Archdiocese who serve the neediest, who provide quality education to thousands of our children, including the poor, and who themselves have made enormous and selfless sacrifices for the good of others.” A petition being circulated by the church asks Calvo to consider vetoing the bill. Blas on Monday said the concerns stated by Hon are untrue, and that churches that have been sued by sex abuse victims are thriving. He questioned whether the concern is to protect church assets or to assist victims of sexual abuse. Contact: mwatanabe@guampdn.com
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