By Joelle Casteix
Pacific News Center
April 8, 2010
http://www.pacificnewscenter.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4230:-snap-sends-another-letter-to-guam-archdiocese-to-come-clean-about-child-sex-abuse-allegations&catid=45:guam-news&Ite
Guam- In a letter addressed to Guam's top Catholic officials, victims of sexual abuse are urging church staff to stop stonewalling and immediately provide information that they say will help keep kids safe.
Leaders of a support group called SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAPnetwork.org) are asking that Guam Archbishop Anthony Apuron:
- make public the named of all accused priests who work or have worked on Guam,
- explain if and why a prominent local priest, Raymond Cepeda, is being defrocked,
- turn over secret documents that outline abuse allegations and actions taken (if any) by church officials, and
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- make public all information about abuse on Guam disclosed to officials in other dioceses.
The letter, sent today by fax & email, is in response to a recent trip made by a leader of the organization to reach out to victims of child sex abuse. During her trip, she was able to warn the public about one alleged perpetrator - Fr. Randolph Nowack - on the island. The group believes there may be others.
"More than a dozen survivors reached out to us," the letter says. "All of them were overcome with shame over their abuse, fear about their perpetrators, and anger at your personal refusal to be transparent, open and pastoral in dealing with the problem of sexual abuse on Guam."
Joelle Casteix, a California woman who visited last month at the request of survivors, was amazed at the archdiocese's silence on the issue of abuse. "Victims told me that they reported their abuse to church officials on Guam and in California; they confided in me that a prominent priest on the island is currently being defrocked; and I was told about abuse in Agat, Yona, Sinajana and Tamuning. The victims were men and women, boys and girls, and all of them told me that child sexual abuse is the 500-pound gorilla in the room that no one will discuss. To protect our kids, this must stop."
Rumors, fears, and shame have no place in a discussion about ending child sexual abuse, she said.
While on island, Casteix set up two confidential support meetings for victims. While no one attended, many still reached out to her through calls and emails, asking for help. The Archdiocese has yet to make any statement on her visit, allegations of abuse, or comment on whether or not there are any child protection measures in the Archdiocese.
"We fear for the Catholic children of Guam," the letter says. "You have refused to do even the smallest things to assure parents that their children are safe in your parishes and schools. The time has come for you to make tangible strides towards accountability and simple compassion."
The group is also citing the current sex abuse scandal involving the Pope and Vatican involvement in the cover-up of child sex abuse as a reason to come clean and protect kids.
"The truth always comes out eventually," the letter said. "It is better that you do it now, willingly, and begin to make real changes than for your Archdiocese to be shamed and scandalized as lies and half truths are exposed by victims, law enforcement and advocacy organizations."
Here is the text version of the letter sent to the Archdiocese of Agana:
Dear Archbishop Apuron,
Once again, the simple requests of victims of sexual abuse have fallen on deaf ears. We have sent letters imploring you to reach out to hurting men and women in your churches. We have asked for transparency and change. One of our leaders even came to Guam and met with victims, listened to their stories and offered help.
More than a dozen survivors reached out to us, All of them were overcome with shame over their abuse, fear about their perpetrators, and anger at your personal refusal to be transparent, open and pastoral in dealing with the problem of sexual abuse on Guam.
That is why we are asking that you:
- make public the named of all accused priests who have ever worked on Guam,
- explain if and why a prominent local priest is currently in the process of laicization,
- turn over secret documents that outline abuse allegations and actions taken by church officials, and
- make public all information about abuse on Guam disclosed to officials in other dioceses.
Right now, your Archdiocese is rife with rumor and innuendo. Your children are at risk because you refuse to engage in any real discussion about safety, accountability and change. Alleged abusers are still in active ministry, where they can intimidate their victims into silence.
It shouldn't take an outsider to expose an abuser in your employ. We fear that there will be many, many more men exposed over the next few months. The truth always comes out eventually. It is better that you do it now, willingly, and begin to make real changes than for your Archdiocese to be shamed and scandalized as lies and half truths are exposed by victims, law enforcement and advocacy organizations.
The current child sex abuse scandal plaguing the Vatican is only going to get worse, we fear. You have the opportunity to come clean right now and make sure that no other child is hurt while in your care.
Our requests are simple and are based on numerous conversations and interviews Joelle Casteix had with Guam residents. Now is your time to be a true leader, directly address the issue, and help victims heal.
We look forward to your immediate response.
Sincerely,
Joelle Casteix
SNAP SW Regional Director
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