The Catholic Church in Guam is being accused of putting its assets ahead of abuse victims.
The Church has launched a petition calling on Governor Eddie Calvo to veto a bill which would lift the statute of limitations on civil lawsuits in historical sex abuse cases.
It warned it would be left bankrupt and scrambling to fund schools and social services if it was forced to pay settlements to abuse claimants.
Guam's governor, Eddie Calvo. Photo: Office of the Governor of Guam
But Concerned Catholics of Guam Secretary Evangeline Lujan said those services received little funding from the Church.
She said church leaders were using threats to try and get their way
"I think it's unfair that they would decide that the assets of the church were more important than healing of the victims," she said.
"These children were under the guidance and care of our priests."
Evangeline Lujan urged Mr Calvo to ignore the Church and sign the bill to support abuse survivors.
The deadline for the Governor's approval is Friday.