Contact: John Moynihan, jmoynihan@votf.org, (617) 558-5252, (617) 680-2131 cell

For Immediate release

The National Priest Support Working Group of Voice of the Faithful (VOTF) has issued a letter of support to Fr. Jerry Wirth and the Presbyteral Council of the Diocese of Belleville IL for their courageous stance in calling for the resignation of their Bishop, Edward Braxton. The Belleville priests said that they are "increasingly frustrated by the lack of collaborative and consultative leadership" from Braxton. "Therefore”, they wrote, "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.”

Writing on behalf of the Working Group, Chairman John Ryan stated:

“You set an example for the process you have undertaken, one that has been fully consultative, prayerful, explorative, and one that has exhausted all alternatives before publicly calling for the resignation of your bishop.

“We hope and believe there will be widespread support for your courage and leadership at a time when diocesan priests crave good shepherds whose voices they can trust to lead them to unity of purpose. We hope and believe you will find such support not only on the part of your brother priests nationally, but on the part of church leadership whom you have called upon to address this crisis of leadership in your presbyterate.”

A copy of the letter is attached.

March 17, 2008

Father Jerry Wirth, President
Presbyteral Council of the Diocese of Belleville, IL

Dear Father Wirth:

On behalf of the National Priest Support Working Group of Voice of the Faithful, I extend our words and prayers of support to you and your brother priests as you seek resolution of the issues that have arisen between the Belleville presbyterate and your bishop.

You set an example for the process you have undertaken, one that has been fully consultative, prayerful, explorative, and one that has exhausted all alternatives before publicly calling for the resignation of your bishop.

We hope and believe there will be widespread support for your courage and leadership
at a time when diocesan priests crave good shepherds whose voices they can trust to lead them to unity of purpose. We hope and believe you will find such support not only on the part of your brother priests nationally, but on the part of church leadership whom you have called upon to address this crisis of leadership in your presbyterate.

With great respect and our prayers of support:

John Ryan, Chair: National Priest Support Working Group of Voice of the Faithful

Roster: National Working Group for Priest Support

Svea Fraser Boston, MA Founding Chairperson
Clare Keane Boston, MA Charter Member
John Ryan Bloomington, IL Chairperson
Joan Bedosky Long Island, NY
Ann Gribbins Long Island, NY
Bill Farnon Philadelphia, PA
Bob Stewart Washington, DC
Dick Okenfuss Cincinnati, OH
Frances Hofmeister Cincinnati, OH
Joe Hofmeister Cincinnati, OH
Vince Grenough Louisville, KY
Elizabeth Warren Nashville, TN
Anne Brennan Chicago, IL
Steve Kymes St. Louis, MO
Bob Rowden San Rafael, CA
Bev Rowden San Rafael, CA
Ed Gleason San Francisco, CA

cc Cardinal Francis George, OMI
Fr. Richard Vega

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Press contact

John Moynihan (617) 558-5252, (617) 680 2131 ©

About Voice of the Faithful (VOTF) VOTF is a worldwide movement of concerned mainstream Catholics formed in response to the clergy sexual abuse crisis. The group’s mission is to provide a prayerful voice, attentive to the Spirit, through which the Faithful can actively participate in the governance and guidance of the Catholic Church. Its goals are to support survivors of clergy sexual abuse, support priests of integrity, and shape structural change within the Catholic Church in full accordance and harmony with Church teaching.