Archdiocese holds briefing on appointed priests, sexual abuse lawsuits, by Haidee V Eugenio, Pacific Daily News (October 3, 2016)

In addition to naming Monsignor James L.G. Benavente as the new pastor of Saint Anthony and Saint Victor Church in Tamuning, Archbishop Savio Hon Tai Fai also appointed eight other priests to positions in village parishes or within the archdiocese, effective Sept. 30.

The Archdiocese of Agana started a news conference at 1:30 p.m. Monday to discuss steps the church is taking in anticipation of lawsuits by victims of clergy abuse on Guam, the archdiocese stated.

Gov. Eddie Calvo on Sept. 23 signed a law that lifts the statute of limitations to allow victims of child sexual abuse to sue their abusers as well as anyone who helped them and the institutions with which they are affiliated. The church, before the bill was signed, lobbied against it, stating it could open up the church to financially crippling lawsuits.

Archbishop Anthony S. Apuron is among the clergy members who have been publicly accused of sexually abusing and raping altar boys in the 1970s, when he was a parish priest in Agat, and at least one of Apuron's alleged victims said he plans to sue the archbishop.

Archbishop Hon since June has been the apostolic administrator, running the local archdiocese while the Vatican investigates sexual abuse allegations against Apuron. Apuron has not been charged with any crime.

Hon has reassigned and reorganized the local church, including nine recent appointments, in consultation with the Presbyteral Council. The appointments were made on Sept. 22 but they became effective on Sept. 30, according to the archdiocese.

The Rev. Monsignor Brigido U. Arroyo — Pastor Emeritus of St. Anthony and St. Victor Church in Tamuning
The Rev. Monsignor James L.G. Benavente — Pastor of St. Anthony and St. Victor Church in Tamuning
The Rev. Adrian L.F. Cristobal — Pastor of San Dionisio Church in Umatac
The Rev. Julius B. Akinyemi — Pastor of San Dimas and Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Merizo
The Rev. Joel de los Reyes — Parochial administrator of San Vicente Ferrer Church in Barrigada
The Rev. Carlos S. Vila — Parochial administrator of Nuestra Señora de la Paz y Buen Viaje in Chalan Pago
The Rev. Edivaldo Da Silva-Oliveira — Catholic chaplain of Department of Youth Affairs and Department of Corrections in Mangilao
The Rev. Paul Gofigan — Delegate of the Apostolic Administrator for Clergy
The Rev. Richard Kidd — Director of Vocation and Permanent Diaconate Program