Archbishop Anthony Apuron Archives

Neocatechumenal Way priests removed from Guam advisory board for insubordination
- Church in the US, Uncategorised
- August 29, 2017
Archbishop Michael Jude Byrnes was appointed as Coadjutor Archbishop of Agaña in October 2016, after Archbishop Anthony Apuron, a member of the Neocatechumenal Way, was accused of sexually abusing minors. The new archbishop has often been at odds with the movement ever since.
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In predominantly Catholic Guam, clergy sex abuse lawsuits near 100-mark
- Catholic News Agency, Church in the US
- August 9, 2017
The Archdiocese of Agana responded to abuse charges in a November 2016 statement, saying “The Church on Guam has a duty and desire to render pastoral care to all of its faithful, most especially those who have been severely wounded by those holding trusted positions in our archdiocese. We are strengthening our work in this area and pledge to provide a safe environment for all children and all people entrusted in our care.”
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Return of Guam archbishop would be disastrous, says coadjutor
- Catholic News Service, Global Church
- July 9, 2017
“I feel that the sentiment of a lot of the faithful is ‘We need something different, something new,'” Coadjutor Archbishop Michael J. Byrnes said. “The past has to become the past so that we are able to move forward in peace and continue the real building of the church.” Byrnes was appointed in Guam by Pope Francis after Archbishop Anthony S. Apuron refused to resign.
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Guam Catholic Church sees a “perfect storm” of controversy

Massimo Faggioli, a professor of historical theology, said the situation in Guam represented “a perfect storm” of problems that underscores just how divisive movements like the Neocatechumenals can be. The Guam church is coping with a sex scandal, financial problems and grassroots criticism of the Way.

New child abuse suits filed against Church in Guam

A lawyer for four former altar boys has filed a new civil lawsuit against the Catholic Church in Guam, Archbishop Anthony Apuron and Father Louis Brouillard over child sexual abuse. Guam passed a law in September lifting the statute of limitations for civil lawsuits in child molestation cases, and Catholic officials on the island have warned that settlements costs arising from the measure could cause the closure.