Church Acknowledges Latest Clergy Sex Abuse Lawsuits
By Haidee V Eugenio
The Archdiocese of Agana issued a written statement Thursday, stating it continues to pray for all victims of child sexual abuse, and has once again asked people to use the "Hope and Healing" initiative which provides professional counseling to anyone who has been abused by clergy or church employees. "As the designated shepherd of our Catholic Church on Guam, I acknowledge the newest lawsuits and allegations of clergy sexual abuse filed by individuals known by the initials of A.N.D., G.J. and B.J. as well as Mr. Francis Charfauros and Mr. Troy Torres," Archbishop Michael Jude Byrnes said in a statement. The statement was issued before another abuse lawsuit was filed by a man with the initials R.Q. Byrnes also said he extends his prayers and that of the entire church to the latest people who filed lawsuits. "I ask all people to continue to pray for them, the individuals who have come forward before them, as well as all who have been devastated by the evil of abuse," Byrnes wrote. The archdiocese is now facing 70 clergy sex abuse lawsuits accusing clergy, and two other lawsuits, accusing a Catholic school teacher, filed in the Superior Court of Guam and the U.S. District Court of Guam. Twelve of Guam's former, current and deceased priests have been accused of raping or sexually abusing minor boys and girls decades ago, according to the lawsuits filed since Guam last year lifted the statute of limitations on childhood sexual abuse. "Our sadness deepens with each new person who comes forward sharing allegations of abuse against clergy or staff of our Archdiocese. Any emotions pale however, compared to the excruciating pain and feelings all victims of abuse suffered and in most cases, continue to suffer," Byrnes said. The archbishop also implored Guam's faithful to join the archdiocese's efforts to bring hope, healing and restoration to all victims of clergy abuse and ensure the safety of all children entrusted to its care. "The 'Hope and Healing' initiative, which among other things helps provide professional counseling to our wounded brethren, exists to assist anyone who has been abused by clergy or staff. They may be reached at 1-888-649-5288," Byrnes said. Although funded by the archdiocese, Hope and Healing said it acts independently of the church and offers professional counseling, treatment, spiritual healing, compensation and justice to clergy abuse victims. It also has been promoted as an alternative to suing the church. "I repeat our Archdiocese's commitment to strengthen our vigilance in this area and ensure that all our children and adults grow in their faith protected in a fully loving, nurturing and safe environment," Byrnes added. heugenio@guampdn.com
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