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No Sex Abuse Lawsuits Yet but There Are Rumors, Says Archdiocese

By Janela Carrera
Pacific News Center
October 3, 2016

http://www.pacificnewscenter.com/local/11085



Guam - Although no lawsuits have been filed against the church or clergy members since the lifting of the civil statute of limitations on child sex abuse, the Archdiocese of Agana says they are aware of rumors going around of such.

At a press conference today at the Cathedral Basilica, Father Jeff San Nicolas and Archbishop Savio Hon Tai Fai responded to media inquiries about potential lawsuits.

Currently, the archdiocese is facing a lawsuit from alleged sex abuse victims of Archbishop Anthony Apuron, but it is based on libel and slander.

The civil statute of limitations was lifted late last month opening the door for church sex abuse victims to file suit against the archdiocese.

There are at least four victims who have come forward with sexual assault allegations against Archbishop Anthony Apuron dating back to the 1970s. Two others have come forward with allegations against other priests.

PNC asked San Nicolas if any complaints have been filed against the church for sexual abuse since the civil statute of limitations was lifted late last month.

"Not that I know of. Nothing new ... there are rumors out there but nothing has been formally submitted to, papers have not been served," he answered.

Meanwhile, Archbishop Hon, the temporary administrator of the archdiocese of Agana, says Pope Francis is still considering his request to have Apuron removed from the archdiocese.

"The holy father has his way of considering those things. Of course he has to have the whole picture of it and it takes time," he noted.

Archbishop Hon also confirmed that he will be leaving Guam soon to give a keynote speech for a conference in San Francisco. He is scheduled to return to Guam on October 16.

 

 

 

 

 




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