Archbishop Anthony Apuron Archives

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.”

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.

Guam Catholic Church sees a “perfect storm” of controversy

Associated Press, Global Church
April 2, 2017

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.

Cardinal Burke sent to Guam to preside over sex abuse trial

Global Church
February 15, 2017

Cardinal Raymond Burke, an American known for his outspoken challenges to some aspects of Francis’s papacy and also an expert on Church law, has been sent to Guam to preside over a trial of a local archbishop accused of sexual abuse by former altar boys.

New child abuse suits filed against Church in Guam

Associated Press, Global Church
November 1, 2016

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.

Pope names successor to Guam archbishop accused of abuse

Associated Press, Global Church
October 31, 2016

Auxiliary Bishop Michael J. Byrnes of Detroit has been named by Pope Francis the new Coadjutor Archbishop of Guam, essentially replacing embattled Archbishop Anthony Apuron, who has been accused of molesting altar boys in the 1970s.