GUAM
KUAM
by Sabrina Salas Matanane
Guam – The Archdiocese of Agana has issued a statement in response to a letter Father Fred Gofigan issued to his parishioners to explain why he had been replaced by Father Dan Bien as Parochial Administrator of Santa Barbara Church.
Father Gofigan says he was asked to resign by Archbishop Anthony Apuron because he believes he failed to terminate an individual as instructed two years ago because of his criminal past. Fr. Gofigan in his letter stated that although he disagreed with the termination “out of obedience to the Archbishop, I had to comply,” he wrote.Fr. Gofigan says the matter could have been cleared up if they had simply spoken to him and conducted a basic investigation. Fr. Gofigan said he would not resign and has since requested a hearing so that he can be allowed to defend himself and save his vocation as a priest.
In the press release from the Archdiocese it states that the Archbishop is currently off island. It further states that Father Gofigan is still a priest at this time.
The Archdiocese issued the statement to “set the record straight”. Here are the facts the press release stated:
I. INVESTIGATION & COMMUNICATION — Father Paul stated in his letter he was asked to resign despite following the Archbishop’s directive. He wrote, “… this entire issue could have been cleared up if they had simply spoken with me, and done a basic investigation…”
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