Bishop Braxton to Meet Privately with Priests

BELLEVILLE, Ill. (AP) -- The Roman Catholic bishop of the Belleville diocese plans to begin meeting privately this summer with the diocese's priests in hopes of smoothing communication.

Bishop Edward Braxton says in a letter to priests that the goal of the discussions is to improve dialogue and move beyond was has been contentious relations....

Again, we should pray that much good will be the result of this endeavor to open up communication and understanding between the priests and the bishop.

Let us pray as well that the priests exercise charity and humility in their meetings lest they forget that they are to work with the bishop for the salvation of souls - first and foremost.