Archbishop Hon Reassures that allegations against Apuron Under Investigation

By Sabrina Salas Matanane
KUAM
June 26, 2016

http://www.kuam.com/story/32308381/2016/06/25/archbishop-hon-reassures-that-allegations-against-apuron-under-investigation

Archbishop Savio Hon Tai Fai issued a statement Sunday afternoon to reassure the island community that sexual abuse allegations against Archbishop Anthony Apuron are under investigation by the Vatican. In recent weeks several former altar boys alleged Apuron sexually molested them when he was a priest at Mt. Carmel Church in Agat. 

Amid the allegations, Archbishop Hon was appointed the Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Agana by Pope Francis. Apuron was relieved of his pastoral duties but he retains his title as Archbishop. 

Here is the statement released by Archbishop Hon: 

"I would like to reassure the faithful and all people of good will that Church has taken into serious consideration the allegations made against Archbishop Anthony Apuron, OFM Cap., in recent months by Mr. Walter Denton, Mrs. Doris Concepcion, Mr. Roy Quintanilla, and Mr. Paul Lizama Sondia, and that all of the relevant documentation received by the Church related to these allegations has been duly sent to the Holy See, which has final authority in cases related to Bishops. I would further like to assure everyone that I have recognized the issues raised by all those concerned and, being deeply moved by the way they expressed themselves, am earnestly praying for them, without prejudice to both the alleged victims and the accused and ask for the prayers and support of the entire Church community."

This morning protesters stood outside the Agana Cathedral holding new signs demanding that Archbishop Apuron be defrocked, previously their signs only asked that he resign.