Belleville, Ill., Jan 24, 2008 / 20:18 pm
Edward Braxton, Bishop of Belleville, has issued a public apology for spending restricted mission funds on liturgical vestments, altar linens, and office furniture. Bishop Braxton said he had mistakenly believed he had discretionary power over the money he used.
Over $18,000 was spent, some of which came from a restricted account for the Society for the Propagation of the Faith whose funds are normally sent to Rome.
The Belleville News-Democrat reported that the diocesan financial council had written the U.S. papal nuncio concerning the use of the money.
Father Jerry Wirth, head of the diocesan Presbyteral Council, told the Belleville News-Democrat on Monday that Bishop Braxton would have to take action. “In the light of what is going on, he is going to have to do something to regain the trust of a lot of people,” Father Wirth said.