Belleville Rebellion Continues

45 priests call for Braxton to resign

BELLEVILLE --A statement issued at noon today and signed by 45 priests asked Bishop Edward Braxton to resign, "...for his own good, for the good of the diocese and for the good of the presbyterate," or priests.

The priests met Wednesday in Germantown and agreed to what they called "a plan of action" but would not reveal it until today.

Braxton could not be reached for comment.

Priests who signed the document represent 60 percent of the active priests in the diocese, not counting clergy from other countries who are on temporary duty....

These priests err greatly by making their dissatisifaction with Bishop Braxton public - they bring scandal among themselves, the bishop, and the Church.

The call to Braxton to resign was lauded by a national Catholic reform group, Call To Action, based near Chicago.

We know there is a problem when CTA supports these priests against their bishop.

The statement can be read here (PDF format).