Suspended Guam Archbishop Anthony Apuron has issued a statement denying all allegations against him of sexual abuse, including the most recent made by his nephew, Mark Apuron.
In an email, Apuron said, "As I lay sick after another surgery and I face the final judgment approaching evermore close, having lost interest in this world, God is my witness: I deny all allegations of sexual abuse made against me, including this last one."
Apuron suggested that the allegation concerning his nephew was intended to further influence the results of a Vatican trial of Apuron, though that trial has reportedly been completed. There has been no word on the outcome of that proceeding.
In addition to Mark Apuron,Roy Quintanilla, Roland Sondia, Walter Denton and the late Joseph "Sonny" Lujan have alleged they were sexually abused by Anthony Apuron.