VIDEO: Archdiocese Admits ...

By Janela Buhain
Pacific News Center
July 22, 2014

http://www.pacificnewscenter.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=47095:priest-removed-from-archdiocese-but-admits-they-were-aware-of-allegations-of-sexual-abuse&catid=45:guam-news&Itemid=156

Guam - After allegations surfaced last week that a priest with a record of sexual abuse was being protected by Archbishop Anthony Apuron, the Archdiocese of Agana today announced that they are removing Father John Howard Wadeson from active ministry.

But not before the Archdiocese confirmed that it knew about Father Wadeson’s tainted past.

Father John Howard Wadeson was incardinated on Guam by the archbishop in 2000. But the allegations of sexual abuse date back to the early 1990s, according to Archdiocese of Agana Chancellor, Father Adrian Cristobal. Local catholic observer Tim Rohr was the first to bring the issue to light on his blog. Last Wednesday, Rohr spoke to PNC about why he wanted to expose Father Wadeson’s past.

"He sent out a very hostile email and essentially fingered me for reporting on my blog what I had heard about the meeting," said Rohr, who was talking about a blog post he wrote on the controversial closed door meeting religious leaders had with the Papal Nuncio last week.

"I truly believe he’s innocent until proven guilty, however, in the year 2000, Archbishop Apuron incardinated him, which means made him an official priest of this diocese, and according to my sources, without any background checks, without his advice from the presbyterial council," he argued.

PNC contacted Father Adrian last Friday, who confirmed that Father Wadeson had a record in California. But he denied claims that Father Wadeson was being protected by the Archbishop. Father Adrian said the Archdiocese is aware of Father Wadeson’s past, but the allegations were just that: allegations.