by Heather Hauswirth

Guam - The Archdiocese of Hagatna is refraining from commenting just yet on a second letter from the nation's largest organization supporting victims of sexual abuse by priests. SNAP Southwest Regional Director Joelle Casteix criticized Archbishop Anthony Apuron's response to the organization's call to come clean on disclosing the names of members of the clergy who have been accused of child molestation.

Casteix said she received phone calls from at least two people who claimed they had been abused by priests on Guam. Casteix added these same individuals alleged they knew of at least ten other people who were also sexually abused.

According to Archdiocese Spokesperson Deacon Jeff Barcinas, the Catholic Church as of today is still reviewing the letter from SNAP and will issue a response once that review is completed. The Archbishop has maintained that no clergy member has been charged or convicted of sexual abuse.

SNAP is now asking Apuron to hold a well publicized meeting for the victims as well as provide information about SNAP in their church newsletters and publications.