GUAM
Daily Reporter
By GRACE GARCES BORDALLO Associated Press
First Posted: June 09, 2016
HAGATNA, Guam — Members of the Catholic church in Guam are reacting with devastation to the accusations that Archbishop Anthony Apuron sexually abused young boys decades ago, but they’re saying they’re still resilient in their faith.
“Everybody’s talking about it. It’s causing a lot of mistrust, anger, and pointing fingers. It’s devastating,” said Patricia Perry, 73.
“We’re neighbors. We grew up together. It’s very conflicting to believe anything,” Perry said. “I just can’t see the archbishop doing those things.”
Pope Francis on Monday named Archbishop Savio Hon Tai-Fai to take over the Hagatna archdiocese after abuse allegations against Apuron resurfaced in recent weeks. A church deacon publicly accused Apuron of keeping the archdiocese’s sex abuse policy weak to protect himself.
In a prayer meeting with clergy and faithful in a packed church on Thursday, Hon sought cooperation and said he was following the Holy Father’s instructions to restore unity, harmony and stability in the local church. Apuron will continue to hold his title, but any decisions are removed from him, Hon said.
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