Monday, September 26, 2016

New Guam Law Lifting Abuse Limitation Period Will Likely Force Archdiocese Into Bankruptcy

AP reports that Guam Governor Eddie Calvo on Friday signed Substitute Bill No. 326-33 (full text) which retroactively eliminates the statute of limitations for civil suits alleging child sexual abuse. Passage came after abuse allegations were leveled against Guam's Catholic Archbishop Anthony Apuron.  A letter (full text) from the Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Agana read at mass on Sept. 18 says that he is urging the Vatican to remove Apuron and appoint a successor.  He apologizes to victims, but says that retroactive lifting of the statute of limitations will likely force the Archdiocese to file for bankruptcy.