Catholic Church in Guam Accused of Lacking Compassion

Radio New Zealand
June 2, 2016

http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/305447/catholic-church-in-guam-accused-of-lacking-compassion

The Catholic Church in Guam has been accused of lacking compassion after it dismissed allegations of sexual abuse by its Archbishop as lies.

An Arizona woman was claiming Archbishop Anthony Apuron molested her son when he was an altar boy in the 1970s.

It followed a similar accusation made two weeks ago.

The Archbishop denied the claims and in a statement the Archdiocese of Agana said it was taking legal measures against those perpetrating malicious lies.

A director of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, Joelle Casteix said the Church was defending itself first, rather than showing compassion

"It would be very easy for the Archdiocese to make a statement saying we are so sorry for any pain that these people may have suffered because when a mother of a survivor comes forward and tells her story of pain it is very heartwrenching and there has been no compassion whatsoever."

Joelle Casteix said the Archbishop should stand down while there was an independent investigation.