GUAM
The Guam Daily Post
Mindy Aguon | For the Guam Daily Post
The archdiocese’s recent announcement of the establishment of a Hope and Healing program has come under criticism by attorney David Lujan, who represents several dozen victims of clergy sexual abuse.
“It’s a scam. The institution that knows about scams, there’s no greater institution than the Catholic Church. They’ve mastered the art of deception and deceit,” Lujan told The Guam Daily Post.
Two weeks ago, the Archdiocese of Agana announced the formation of the Hope and Healing program as part of its efforts to reach out to victims of clergy sexual abuse by establishing a victim’s settlement fund. The fund would develop as the archdiocese raises money through a liquidation of assets and resources. California-based attorney Mike Caspino was named the director of the independent group that will administer the settlement fund for victims and said, during a media conference, that the program aims to help ease the pain caused by the abuse.
“It already shows that they’re not operating in good faith. We will never agree to anyone that is related to the church,” Lujan said.
Lujan confirmed he met with Caspino two weeks ago and there was never mention of the California lawyer being the director of the program. The Guam attorney accuses Caspino of having an ulterior motive. “It’s not a fair mediation. He charges the church by the hour. Of course, his loyalty is to the church, not to (victims),” Lujan said. “He’s here to pick our pockets.”
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