Belleville priests issue statement calling for bishop to resign

Published: 2008-03-24

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." In response the bishop issued a letter to Catholics in the diocese dated March 20, Holy Thursday, in which he stated he intends "to serve as bishop of the Diocese of Belleville for as long as the Holy Father wants me to do so." In their March 14 statement, the priests said that "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." "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.

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