Guam’s Catholics Reckon With Decades Of ‘Horrific’ Sex Abuse

AGAT, Guam (AP) – Long after clergy sex abuse erupted into scandal in the United States, it remained a secret on the American island of Guam, spanning generations and reaching to the very top of the Catholic hierarchy.  For decades, abusers held the power in a culture of impunity led by an archbishop who was among those accused. Anthony Apuron was suspended in 2016 and later convicted in a secret Vatican trial.  More than 220 former altar boys, students and Scouts are now suing Guam’s archdiocese over sexual assaults by 35 clergy, teachers and scoutmasters. The archdiocese filed for bankruptcy earlier this year. Survivors have until August 15 to file for a financial settlement.   Seven men have accused Apuron of sexual assaults they endured as children, including his own nephew. Heádenies the allegations.