GUAM
KUAM
By Jolene Toves
Deacon Stephen Martinez is hoping Archbishop Anthony Apuron will take action. He’s written another letter to the head of the island’s Catholic church not only concerned about Father Luis Camacho’s recent arrest, but also about the Redempotoris Mater Seminary, where he learned to become a priest and its connection to the Neocatechumenal Way.
Fr. Luis was arrested last week after police found him with a 17-year-old girl parked at a beach in Agat. The girl was supposed to be in school at the time. According to Martinez, he alleges the two were engaging in cunnilingus.
Deacon Martinez used to be the Archdiocese of Guam’s sexual abuse response coordinator (SARC), but was removed seven months ago. According to Martinez, he’s not sure he why was suddenly ousted but two months prior to his removal he had brought up concerns regarding the church’s sexual abuse policy. Deacon Martinez, who did not want to be interviewed for television, said at that time – and even till now – he is extremely concerned that the policy is flawed and could cause financial distress for the archdiocese. He pointed out that the policy has the potential for a conflict of interest.
For example, he says, “If there is an allegation against the archbishop and he decides not to move forward, then the policy becomes meaningless.” In order to remedy this flaw Martinez had recommended that the policy be revised “allowing for a bishop from a different archdiocese to make the call.”
But aside from the policy, Deacon Martinez is going public because he wrote he is “gravely concerned with a growing pattern of sexual deviancy from Redemptoris Mater Seminary-trained priests and seminarians” .
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