Belleville Priests Talked with Cdl. George, Papal Nuncio

The Revs. Jerry Wirth of Olney, Marc Stec of Ridgeway and Edward E. Schaefer of St. Rose said they were among seven Belleville Diocese priests who first met with Cardinal Francis George, archbishop of Chicago, who provided an introduction to Archbishop Gabriel Montalvo, then the papal nuncio or U.S. representative of the pope. Both advised them to meet with Braxton about their concerns, the three priests said.

"We felt we had to meet with the bishop because of what George and the nuncio told us," Schaefer said.
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Braxton recently released a letter to parishioners stating that shortly before his installation in June 2005, the priests met with him and threatened to release incriminating information concerning his past service unless he refused the job as bishop of Belleville. Braxton stated he told the priests he would not refuse the assignment. He also said in the letter he would not step down despite a March 14 request signed by 46 priests asking him to resign.

The three priests denied they threatened to blackmail Braxton....