Pope issues new church law related to sex abuse allegations

By Krystal Paco
KUAM
June 6, 2016

http://www.kuam.com/story/32150617/2016/06/06/pope-issues-new-church-law-related-to-sex-abuse-allegations

Is it just a coincidence? Over the weekend, Pope Francis laid down the law when it comes to Catholic bishops who turn a blind eye to child sex abuse allegations. His announcement comes amid an alleged sex abuse scandal here on Guam involving the head of the island's Catholic church.    

Last week former Archdiocese of Agana sexual abuse response coordinator Deacon Steve Martinez called out Archbishop Anthony Apuron - that Apuron purposely kept church policies weak in order to protect himself. Martinez's allegations follow lack of action from Apuron in the midst of being accused of molesting two Agat altar boys decades ago. "Some people question why is Rome doing nothing? My comment to that is we don't know if Rome's doing nothing," Martinez said in last week's press conference. "All I can do from my point is hope and pray we can find a quick resolution to the problems we have."

And it appears Martinez's prayers were answered. Over the weekend, Pope Francis laid down the law in the Motu Proprio - that Catholic bishops guilty of negligence in sex abuse cases, especially sex abuse against minors, constitutes as a "grave reason" to remove a bishop from office. The new law follows longstanding demands by survivors of abuse that blame bishops for shuffling alleged pedophile priests rather than reporting them to police.

In an e-mailed response to KUAM News, Martinez believes the pope's actions aren't coincidental to what's happening here on Guam. "I believe his message is in response to the many prayers and letters the people of Guam have been sending to Rome," he wrote. "While the pope's letter addresses the issue of bishops who mismanage sex abuse claims, it would logically and naturally extend to bishops who are also accused of sexual abuse themselves, since they have the same responsibility to apply the established policies, regardless of who the accused happens to be."

He further adds that he continues to be disappointed in the chancery whose complete lack of respect and care for the accused is most devastating. Fortunately, those victims can find comfort in Pope Francis, who has become a champion of the helpless and abused.

Also over the weekend, masses were held islandwide for victims of abuse which included a prayer for healing. In his homily Sunday, Immaculate Heart of Mary's Father Mike Crisostomo compared the ongoing conflicts to a brewing storm and he urged parishioners to show compassion towards both the abusers and the victims. "You see, I liken this to a storm," he announced. "And we are right now currently in Supertyphoon Condition of Readiness 2.

"We pull together and we come together as a people of faith as a church. To be able to work with each other and for each other so we can rebuild once again the kingdom of God. I know it's painful at times, but we don't do it alone."

The Concerned Catholics of Guam organization continue to fight for the restoration of the island's catholic community as well. In a statement to KUAM News, CCOG president Gregory Perez says they are pleased by the pope's message and will continue efforts to get back the church and return to the catholic teachings and traditions.

Archbishop Anthony Apuron has vehemently denied the allegations of sex abuse. The Archdiocese alleges he is the victim of a malicious smear campaign to topple him because of his efforts to clean up the church and its finances. The Archdiocese claims several people including Martinez were part of a plan to sell the RMS property in Yona to cover up the church's financial mess. The church announced it is working with one of the most prominent U.S. legal firms and with an independent investigator. However when asked for clarification on whether the independent investigator was looking into the allegations of sex abuse, we were told the archdiocese is not providing specifics about the investigation but assures that they are applying the sex abuse policy in the area.