Third-party Will Administer Church's Settlement Fund for Victims

By Krystal Paco
KUAM
March 8, 2017

http://www.kuam.com/story/34692729/2017/03/08/third-party-will-administer-churchs-settlement-fund-for-victims

[with video]


With the Archdiocesan Finance Council behind him, Archbishop Michael Byrnes announced the establishment of a settlement fund of $1 million to aid victims of child sexual abuse. He said it will be developed and administered by a third-party to establish the procedures for payment of claims. He said they are actively searching for an administrator of the fund.

His Excellency announced, "The establishment of this settlement fund to aid victims is just another concrete step in our effort to reach out to victims of child sexual abuse and do all that we can to help them to help them heal, to help them find peace. To help them find a sense of closure for what they dealt with for so many years. We know that money alone will not heal - but it can aid the healing."

AFC president Richard Untalan says the administrator does not necessarily have to be from Guam, but they are looking for someone with a legal background. He added the $1 million in the fund is just the starting point. The money is from the liquidation of certain church assets but was not specific. When asked whether the RMS was part of the liquidation, Untalan said no but everything is on the table.

He added currently an assessment of the property is being conducted.

In total, he said the church has assets of $132 million.