Belleville priests issue statement calling for bishop to resign

Published: 2008-03-20

BELLEVILLE, Ill. (CNS) -- More than half of the active priests of the Diocese of Belleville have signed a public statement calling for Bishop Edward K. Braxton to resign, citing frustration with his leadership and their conclusion that "he has lost his moral authority." "Because of the bishop's lack of cooperation, consultation, accountability and transparency, it is the judgment of a great number of the presbyterate that he has lost his moral authority to lead and govern our diocese," said the March 14 statement. "Therefore, it is requested that Bishop Braxton resign from his office as bishop of the Diocese of Belleville for his own good, for the good of the diocese and for the good of the presbyterate," it said. Forty-six priests signed the statement, which was sent to local news media, who posted it on the Internet. The Official Catholic Directory lists the Belleville Diocese as having 77 active diocesan priests, with three serving outside the diocese and 48 listed as retired, sick or absent. Seven of the signers are retired, local newspapers reported. Bishop Braxton did not respond to a request from Catholic News Service for comment.

Copyright (c) 2008 Catholic News Service /U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service .