BishopAccountability.org

Settlement back on the table for majority of church sex abuse cases

By Krystal Paco
KUAM
July 28, 2017

http://www.kuam.com/story/35992522/2017/07/Friday/settlement-back-on-the-table-for-majority-of-church-sex-abuse-cases


Settlement is back on the table - at least for a majority of the sex abuse cases lodged against the Archdiocese of Agana and possibly the Boy Scouts of America Aloha Council.

The majority of the cases of clergy sex abuse filed in the District Court of Guam have been put on hold. On Friday, Judge Joaquin Manibusan granted a motion to stay for over 70 civil cases. His decision followed news that parties have secured a mediator, Oregon-based retired federal Judge Michael Hogan.

Archdiocese of Agana legal counsel John Terlaje and plaintiffs' attorney David Lujan expressed great confidence in their chosen mediator. Terlaje said, "He is very well known. Very well respected. He's done hundreds of cases involving child abuse and dioceses around America, so because of that, both parties reached out to him to see if he was willing to do the mediation process."

Lujan added, "He's a great mediator, so he should be able to resolve."

Hogan will be on island from October 30 to November 3rd to address the claims, including those filed in the Superior Court of Guam. "Well we're going to attempt address as much as possible. If more days are needed, more days will be used," Terlaje added.

According to his website, Hogan retired as a judge to become a full-time mediator. He's mediated thousands of disputes, including sexual abuse cases.

Though Hope and Healing Guam was established to address sex abuse cases, in court today, it was noted they'd provide mainly pastoral care victims. As reported, all victims who call their hotline may avail of free counseling services, at the expense of the Church.

While majority of the parties are on board with mediation, Archbishop Anthony Apuron's attorney Jacque Terlaje reiterated that her client will not participate in settlement talks until his canonical trial in Rome is complete.

Terlaje also opposed the motion to stay via teleconference today. Because Apuron is only named in four of the lawsuits, his cases will be dealt with separately.

Terlaje also opposed the motion to stay via teleconference today.
Because Apuron is only named in four of the lawsuits, his cases will be dealt with separately.

A hearing on Apuron's cases is set for August 7.

 




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