Guam: deacon calls for timely investigation of abuse charges against archbishop

September 16, 2016

Deacon Steve Martinez, who in the past was responsible for responding to sex-abuse complaints for the Catholic Church in Guam, has voiced concern that charges against Archbishop Anthony Apuron have not yet been investigated.

Archbishop Apuron stepped down in June, and the Archbishop Savio Tai Fai Hon was appointed apostolic administrator of the Agana diocese while charges against Archbishop Apuron are investigated. 

Deacon Martinez acknowledges that the Vatican is responsible for any probe into a bishop's conduct, but reports that he has seen no evidence of an active investigation into the five complaints against Archbishop Apuron, or even that Vaitcan officials had contacted any of the five young men who have made complaints. "If they have not, it's not a good sign," he said. 

 

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Further information:

• Concerns Vatican yet to start investigating Guam's Archbishop (RadioNZ)
• Vatican administrator acknowledges new abuse charges against archbishop in Guam (CWN, 6/15)