Archdiocese removes priest accused of child molestation

By Sabrina Salas Matanane
KUAM
July 22, 2014

http://www.kuam.com/story/26075589/2014/07/21/archdiocese-removes-priest-accused-of-child-molestation

Guam - The Archdiocese of Agana has issued the following statement regarding Father John Wadeson.

“In response to concerns in the community regarding Father John Wadeson serving in the Archdiocese of Agana, the Archbishop has decided to remove Father Wadeson from active and public ministry at this time. The Archdiocese of Agana has a policy regarding sexual misconduct and sexual harassment and takes these matters very seriously.”

The announcement follows the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) calling on Archbishop Anthony Apuron to have him removed.

According to a press release from SNAP, Father Wadeson was accused twice of child molestation and had been banned from the Los Angeles Archdiocese. The allegations however had not as of yet resulted in any convictions. “Although Fr. Wadeson has not been convicted of abuse, the fact that the Archdiocese of Los Angeles has banned him from ministry is just cause for Apuron to remove the cleric immediately. We fear that Apuron is putting Guam's children at direct risk and protecting a credibly accused predator instead of protecting his flock,” the SNAP press release stated.