Protesters resume weekly pickets calling for removal of Archbishop Apuron

By Janela Carrera
Pacific News Center
January 9, 2017

http://www.pacificnewscenter.com/local/12176

Guam - After a two week hiatus from their weekly protests, members of the Laity Forward Movement and the Concerned Catholics of Guam were back at it, picketing this past Sunday in front of the Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral Basilica in Hagatna.

Although the crowd continues at the steady dozens, the number of demands is gradually decreasing.

It started with several messages on signs calling for the reinstatement of a few beloved priests who were ousted by Archbishop Anthony Apuron; the return of the Yona seminary to archdiocese control; and the removal and defrocking of Apuron stemming from allegations of sexual abuse.

With the reappointments of Father Paul Gofigan and Msgr. James Benavente into senior positions within the church and the reversal of a controversial deed restriction on the Redemptoris Mater Seminary property, the remaining message at Sunday's protest is for Apuron to be defrocked.

This latest protest is the first this year but organizers say they will continue with their weekly pickets until Apuron is removed and defrocked.