By Tim Rohr
Since we are on the topic of Archbishop Hon after he took over for Apuron in 2016, here is an interesting (and entertaining) letter between two attorneys: David Lujan for Apuron's victims and John Terlaje (now Judge Terlaje) for the Archdiocese of Agana (aka Apuron). A copy of the original is here.
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LUJAN & WOLFF LLP
July 14, 2016
2nd Floor Suite 216
194 Herman Cortes Avenue
Hagatna, Guam 96910
RE: July 8, 2016 Letter
John,
This responds to your letter above regarding certain points you raise.
First, what policies and procedures is the Archdiocese following whenever sexual allegations against a sitting Archbishop is made? It would enhance your Client's credibility, and his agents', if he would provide me with a copy so I can follow along with the claim that it is being followed. In other words, the time for abstraction has passed, and it is time for your Client to deal with reality.
Second, while it is true that the responses made by Apuron and Edivaldo were made before Hon's appointment as the Apostolic Administrator, I believe it is fair to assume that the statements are now Hon's since he refused to retract said statements.
Third, the statements of Apuron and Edivaldo were made on May 13 and May 31, 2016, respectively.. You state Hon is currently reviewing all statements that may have mentioned my Clients. It has been over a month since Hon began reviewing the two (2) statements. Perhaps Hon's time would be better spent taking a speed-reading class so he can finish reviewing said statements this year.
Fourth, please provide me with a Stamp Receipt copy by Rome that all documents containing my Clients' allegations have been received, then my Clients can rest assured that your statement is true.
Fifth, that Hon would tout his appointment of Fr. Castro as the contact person to deal with victims, in addition to offering spiritual counseling and guidance, and that all confessions will be confidential between the confessor and penitents, is simply astounding. Hon's policy is akin to asking the victims to come to the molester's house, hat in hand, to be advised by the molester's family, is not only feudal but with a tinge of a Spanish inquisition flavor. It is obvious that Hon's policy is designed to have the confessor brainwash the victims into believing, as modern-day counselors would say, that it was the victims' fault that the pedophile molester abused them, and to deal with this matter in-house. Hon needs to awaken from his Rip Van Winkle sleep to see that things are not done this way in the 21st century; rather, the Defendant is hauled into court to face his accusers for the entire island to see and hear. Furthermore, please inform your Client we are not stupid islanders!
Sixth, while not in your letter, a July 12, 2016 PDN article states that Hon replaced Deacon Claros with Deacon Leonard "Len" Stohr as the Sexual Abuse Response Coordinator (SARC). Would I be correct in concluding that Hon fired Claros? Further, if Stohr is the coordinator, what is Fr. Castro's real role and what are his qualifications in this sordid affair? By these changes in this abbreviated time frame, Hon is imitating Goldilocks as she tries 3 different porridges and beds.
The events of the past few weeks have demonstrated Hon's contempt for the truth fact-finding mission whether the victims are, in fact, being truthful. He continues to refuse to meet with them; to embrace them; to offer prayers for them; or, simply to acknowledge their pain. Instead, he preaches neutrality and healing for both the molested and molestor as if they are equals. Hon needs to remove his red conical looking hat which he wears as if he were a peacemaker. He must realize that red denotes danger. He needs to cease cloistering himself at the Chancery, that den of inequities as stated in the Bible, surrounded by the Old Guards that protected Apuron's sexual molestations from coming to light. From one seasoned lawver to another, please advise Hon. and his Gang, cease the hypocrisy.
John, please ask Hon the following questions:
- Has Apuron confessed his sins to Fr. Castro and obtained spiritual counseling and guidance that Hon offers to the victims?
- Where are you hiding Apuron?
- Don't Hon and Apuron understand that flight and sequestration are signs of guilt, as is a popular saying in criminal law?
- Has Hon concluded that Apuron is, in fact, guilty?
- If not, perhaps you should counsel him that the facts are simply overwhelming!
In closing, thank you for your letter (which I suspect was written by Apuron's, and now, Hon's confidants). I look forward to further exchanges so that the truth may come to light.
Sincerely,
DAVID J. LUJAN
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