Guam Archbishop appeals verdict

[curious_cath]

If you follow the news, you may recall that here was a canonical trial against Archbishop Anthony Sablan Apuron that had been appealed.

Guam Archbishop Anthony Apuron found guilty Catholic News

Guam Archbishop Anthony Apuron was found guilty. The case raises very serious questions. We are talking about charges from the very distant past, 30-40 years ago! The accusers are former altar boys, now in their fifties and sixties. Does this case make sense to you? Guam, a former Spanish colony has 80% Catholic population. It is an American territory now, with a heavy presence of the military on an island of about 180 thousand inhabitants…

Pope Francis told the media recently that he will make a decision in the case:

“I took it upon myself and I made a commission of canonists to help me,” Francis explained, adding: “It is a complicated case on one hand, but also not difficult because the evidence is very clear.”

“But I cannot prejudge,” he said. “I’ll wait for the information, and then I will judge.”

Pope Francis dismisses Vigano's accusations of McCarrick cover-up

Speaking aboard the Aug. 26 flight back to Rome from Ireland, Francis said the former Vatican ambassador's 11-page document of unsubstantiated claims "speaks for itself."

www.ncronline.org

There are some opinions that the Pope will delay the announcement of his decision because the evidence out there is in support of the Archbishop! Members of the Neocatechumenal Way in their blog call attention that the charges might have been orchestrated by a cadre of local traditionalists. There seems to be ample evidence, even self admission by those who solicited and promulgated the charges against the Archbishop. The very same people openly bullied the Guam Legislature to pass a bill lifting the statute of limitations for solicited charges against the Catholic Church.

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It might be a worthy cause to follow the case. Pope Francis is expected to announce a decision in the very near future.

 

[curious_cath]

Update: There seems to be a bitter fight in local blogs regarding the accusations against the Archbishop and other local clergy. It has been going on for over 2 years already. There are claims of manufacturing sexual abuse charges and filing them at court for financial gain. SNAP was involved in assisting to break out the scandal. There seems to be a lot of “Mitfahrers”, or fellow travelers who jumped the band wagon in making sexual abuse charges from ancient times (over 30-50 years) and claiming $5 million or so from the Catholic church as recompense.

Pope Francis volunteered to take the odium of the verdict of the local Archbishop upon himself. People are anxiously waiting for his announcement. He must have a thorough plan. What could this entail?

 

[Victoria33]

I wish we all knew more about this. In our small hometown, a family from Guam came to live. I know they are Catholic.

 

[curious_cath]

a family from Guam came to live. I know they are Catholic.

Well, yeah! Guam is 85% Catholic. People do attend church on Sundays. 23 village churches are regularly full of the faithful during services in all 23 villages of a 180K overall island population. Guam might be the most Catholic geographical location of the U.S.

The flock is truly anxious in waiting Pope Francis’ verdict on Archbishop Apuron. There is a sharp division of two major camps, as I mentioned in the OP. Guam is a faraway location in the Pacific Ocean, but it might come into the spotlight for a few transient days when Pope Francis makes his decision known.

 

[curious_cath]

Here is reason Archbishop Apuron of Guam appealed the canonical verdict against him:

“God is my witness” states Apuron in the message, “I deny all allegations of sexual abuse made against me, including this last one. All these events are helping me to direct my hope towards the only righteous judge, and for this I am very thankful. I am saddened, however, by the timing of this latest accusation that alleges an act which supposedly happened in incredible circumstances. These allegations have been mentored and promoted by the same source,” continues the archbishop, “and this one seems particularly timed to influence the verdict of the Vatican trial conducted by the Holy See, as a last resort out of fear that I may be exonerated.”

Guam’s Archbishop Apuron breaks his silence: “I deny all allegations made against me”

The February 7th audience with Pope Francis in the Vatican. The verdict of Cardinal Burke's trial remains unpublished. The latest accusation from his nephew. T…

www.lastampa.it

 

[graciew]

Poor people,poor whoever the innocent is or are…

 

[Robbie51]

Here’s the problem I have with some of the postings under this news. Just because something traumatic happened 30-40-50 years ago DOES NOT MEAN the victims don’t remember. I served in Vietnam during the Tet Offensive in 1968. That’s 50 years ago. I remember quite vividly what I went through. It was traumatic, horrible and devastating to me. I still have nightmares about my experience. Rape is a violent, traumatic horrible and devastating occurrence. Too often sexual criminals get away with their crimes because of idiot statutes of limitations. Sexual crimes should NOT have a statute of limitation, period. All of that being said, I do NOT know what the Bishop did or did not do. I do know that way too many of our Catholic clergy committed sexual crimes against innocent children AND LIED ABOUT IT. I also know that too many of our esteemed Bishops helped, by their own admission, cover these crimes up. So forgive me if I’m a bit jaded about believing any priest or bishop who says “I didn’t do it”.

 

[curious_cath]

Poor people, poor whoever the innocent is or are…

The suffering of the innocent is surely crying out to heaven! But who is the innocent? What is truth? Let’s place our trust in Pope Francis who has already received the opinion of canon lawyers and is contemplating the judgment in the Apuron case. The climate may not be favorable for the announcement of justice at this time as some people with a political agenda are out there to turn his judgment against Pope Francis himself!

I do NOT know what the Bishop did or did not do. I do know that way too many of our Catholic clergy committed sexual crimes against innocent children AND LIED ABOUT IT.

This sad fact also can be played out against the innocent. Just think about it, if a group of disgruntled Catholics wants to remove their bishop, for example because the bishop supports New Evangelization groups, like the Neocatechumenal Way, then what are the limits of their action? Is there any? Decency? Reason? The 10 Commandments? The protection of the Holy Catholic Church?

What if they break all boundaries in their recklessness and resort themselves to fabricating minor abuse charges against high ranked clergy? What if the same people bully a weak local legislation into lifting the statute of limitations, so that the giga-million dollar court trials could begin? Is it not the duty of the Vicar of Christ in Rome to stop them, so the mission of the church can be saved?

So forgive me if I’m a bit jaded about believing any priest or bishop who says “I didn’t do it”.

You don’t need to believe anything just because the Archbishop is pleading non-guilty. But there are other things here. There is evidence of solicitation and fabrication. As the Archbishop said, all these charges against him can be traced back to the same group of disgruntled Catholics. As Pope Francis said, the evidence is out there. He probably referred to the evidence that is exhibited in publicly available blogs. This evidence seems to be about a willfully orchestrated and launched war against New Evangelization.

 

[graciew]

I will be praying for you all and that it is a fair result,and that those who are suffering for this case find peace beneath Mary’s mantle as they wait.
Thank you for bringing us news from so far away,CuriousCath!

 

[curious_cath]

I will be praying for you all and that it is a fair result,and that those who are suffering

Dear graciew, I truly appreciate you point of view and your prayer. God bless you for that!

It is a big shame for the 21st century that we still have so many people suffering injustice around the globe. Perhaps even more than any time in the history of mankind before!

I don’t claim that my view point is the only right one. Who can make justice in these complicated matters after so many years? Sometimes we have to accept that we cannot know the truth for sure.

That is why I let my own personal opinion go. I don’t stick to it no matter what, but I open up my mind to be able to rely on the highest authority we have in our church, Pope Francis! I pray for the Holy Father that he could stand the assault of the times. I am sure his decision about Archbishop Apuron, which might be imminent any time during these days, will bring peace for all those who suffer. Either as victims of abuse or victims of slander.

 

[curious_cath]

It has been two months ago that Pope Francis promised a verdict in Archbishop Apuron’s case at his airplane interview from Dublin to Rome. He said it was his decision to handle the appeal request against sexual abuse charges because it is a “complicated case”.

Well, it might be complicated as there is evidence that a group of traditionalists were involved in soliciting and/or fabricating accusations in 40-50 years old grievances against the church. Pope Francis has a precarious duty to judge the merits of both the accusations and Archbishop Apuron’s appeal. He told the reporters on August 26th:

“I took it upon myself. And made a commission of canonists that are helping me and they told me that when I get back, after a maximum of a month, a recommendation will be made so I can make a judgment.”

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/...-in-flight-press-conference-from-dublin-48562

We are eagerly waiting for Pope Francis’ judgment! Our understanding is that a team of canonists made an expedited analysis and placed their recommendation on the desk of the Holy Father about a month ago. It is a time of prayer on Guam with unconditional trust in our beloved Pontiff that His announcement will be led by the true Spirit of peace, mercy and justice.

We vigorously pray that Pope Francis, despite political attacks on his papacy, won’t be frayed away from bringing justice! Our diocese badly needs closure and peace. Everything is frail, unbalanced, in doubt and turmoil because of the current ambiguity we live our faith in these days. How can the faithful feel at home in the parishes unless we get out of this unmerciful limbo?! It is a plea to Pope Francis from a small diocese to, please, act with justice and act soon!

 

[curious_cath]

The political pressure on Pope Francis may have been designed to influence his authoritative decisions. It is almost sure that the delay in announcing his verdict in the case of Archbishop Apuron of Guam reflects the ambiguity of circumstances surrounding the accusations against the Archbishop. If this would be a clear cut case, then no additional delay would be necessary.

If political bargaining won’t take over common sense, a favorable decision might be announced as soon as next week or afterward.

 

[curious_cath]

I admit I don’t understand the delay of Pope Francis in announcing the most anticipated verdict in the appeal of Archbishop Apuron of Guam. Still, I would never give up on our beloved Pope who is an embattled person right now, targeted by political activists from liberal newspapers as well, as from his own flock.

 

[bullish1]

Defense of Apuron is probably misguided. He has been credibly accused by numerous victims. Guam, like many other dioceses in the US was a cesspool of predatory sexual abuse. Denial is disrespect of the victims and part of the problem by continuous defense of the undefendable.

https://guamsexualabuseattorneys.com/archbishop-anthony-apuron/

“Apuron is a “serial child molester,” said Vincent P. Pereda, who has more than 30 years clinical experience as a professional counselor, program manager and clinical administrator.”

 

[curious_cath]

Vincent P. Pereda, has more than 30 years clinical experience as a professional counselor, program manager and clinical administrator

Vincent P. Pereda’s testimony is inadmissible. As expert, he unabashedly overstepped his authority and qualification to say this. It was like a gun expert of the court claiming the owner of the gun was immoral. How come? Please, look at the gun, inspect and talk about the gun! Don’t talk about the person. The same way, Vincent P. Pereda should have talked about his expertise but not about the person. By violating professional conduct, Vincent P. Pereda proved himself to be an immoral person.

 

[bullish1]

Vincent P. Pereda’s testimony is inadmissible. As expert, he unabashedly overstepped his authority and qualification to say this. It was like a gun expert of the court claiming the owner of the gun was immoral. How come? Please, look at the gun, inspect and talk about the gun! Don’t talk about the person. The same way, Vincent P. Pereda should have talked about his expertise but not about the person. By violating professional conduct, Vincent P. Pereda proved himself to be an immoral person.

This is a logical fallacy. He is an expert on people’s behavior, not inanimate objects. And of course you attack the credibility of an expert witness and completely ignore the accusations of multiple victims. I can see it is of no use trying to discuss this with you further.

 

[otrrl]

Here’s another mess on the Pope’s desk. I think this is good to keep him stacked up with cases so that it may force him to make some general statements sooner or later.

I think people need to stop crowding into St Peter’s square and into St, Peter’s basilica. I think the laity needs to back way off from priests and bishops…way, way off. When the pope sees an empty plaza, an empty visitor’s hall, an empty basilica, maybe he will get a message. Instead of us appealing to HIM, he will have to come forward and appeal to US.

People should back off from the pope for one reason – so that the only thing he has to do is his “job.” He has a job and he needs to do it. We want to “SEE” the Pope, for sure, the Pope doing his job, not cheering and waving and kissing babies.

 

[curious_cath]

This is a logical fallacy.

You don’t seem to have a grasp of what logical fallacy is.

 

[curious_cath]

completely ignore the accusations of multiple victims.

There are serious doubts that the sexual abuse charges against the Guam Archbishop were accepted at the Vatican Tribunal that conducted the canonical trial!

When Cardinal Burke of the Tribunal visited Guam to investigate the accusations against Archbishop Apuron, he was greatly surprised by a refusal of talking to him by the alleged victims, Roland Sondia and Doris Conception. Doris Conception claimed that his son Joseph “Sonny” Quinata entrusted her with a one sentence testimony that he was abused as a child before he died in a surgery room.

Refusal to talk to Cardinal Burke

The lawyer of the alleged victims, David Lujan, did not allow his clients to say anything to the official, high ranking investigator from Vatican in a deep fear that the investigation could reveal the grave inconsistencies of the testimonies. By sending away Cardinal Burke empty-handed from Guam, the alleged victims and their attorney made the whole investigating process look like a bad joke!

The news report had to raise doubt: “It wasn’t clear how the lack of testimony would affect the church trial.” Well, this cowardice of the alleged victims had a huge impact on the outcome of the canonical trial! According to canonical lawyers, Archbishop Apuron was almost certainly exonerated from the sexual abuse charges by the Tribunal and was only reprimanded for some minor clerical abuse:

Msgr. Frederick Easton, a former president of the U.S. Canon Law Society, said the punishment for Apuron did not appear proportional to a finding of guilt in regards to sexual abuse.

Vatican verdict against Guam archbishop likely not for sexual abuse, say canon lawyers

A Vatican tribunal's guilty verdict last month against a Guam archbishop appears likely not to have been made in direct relation to allegations of sexual abuse by the prelate.

www.ncronline.org

Those who say the Archbishop was convicted for sexual abuse of minors, apparently don’t know what they are talking about!

 

[I_trust]

I have no dog in this fight…
But your following statement is not what the canonical lawyers stated…

The news report had to raise doubt: “It wasn’t clear how the lack of testimony would affect the church trial.” Well, this cowardice of the alleged victims had a huge impact on the outcome of the canonical trial! According to canonical lawyers, Archbishop Apuron was almost certainly exonerated from the sexual abuse charges by the Tribunal and was only reprimanded for some minor clerical abuse:

What the article actually stated is:

Easton, Morrisey and two other canon lawyers said it seemed more reasonable to assume Apuron was found guilty of a so-called “boundary violation,” such as solicitation in the confessional.​

Solicitation does not equal clerical abuse.