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  Bishop Braxton Reappoints Former Chairman to Finance Council

By George Pawlaczyk
Belleville News-Democrat
April 7, 2008

http://www.bnd.com/breaking_news/story/303319.html

BELLEVILLE — The 46 priests who asked Bishop Edward Braxton to step down have won a lesser demand contained in the same letter, calling for the reinstatement of the diocese's financial overseer.

Braxton has approved a one year reappointment for Bill Knapp as chief financial officer for the Belleville Catholic Diocese.

The priests' letter, released publicly on March 14, stated it was "imperative" that Braxton reinstate Knapp, who is widely credited by priests for having drawn attention to the bishop's recent misuse of restricted funds.

If Knapp, a former Belleville city councilman and an auditor, was not reinstated, the letter said, "...We fear that Bishop Braxton will not be held accountable for his administration of the temporal goods and finances of the diocese."

While reluctant to call it a victory, the Rev. Dennis Voss, a signer of the resignation letter and a member of the Diocesan Finance Council, called the decision "an advancement."

"It's a good thing, definitely," Voss said.

For the full story, read tomorrow's News-Democrat or go online at www.bnd.com.

Contact: gpawlaczyk@bnd.com

 
 

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