BishopAccountability.org
	Silence Hurts Bishop, Church Belleville News Democrat January 18, 2008 http://www.bnd.com/editorial/story/231272.html Some questionable financial dealings in the Belleville Catholic Diocese have spilled into full public view in recent weeks. • The diocese's Financial Council filed a complaint with the Vatican over misuse of money donated to the Society for the Propagation of the Faith. A council member wouldn't say how much money is involved, or what was bought with it. • A separate panel that oversees money from the Future Full of Hope campaign objected to $10,100 being used for a new conference table and chairs in the diocesan office. Catholics have gone public with their concerns because they can't get answers within the church. Bishop Edward Braxton won't explain the purchases to the Presbyteral Council, his priests or the people of the parishes or us. If Braxton doesn't want to talk to us, that's his choice. But he needs to realize what's at stake if he won't explain himself to his own priests and church members. His continued silence could undermine the Catholic community and the church's ability to help the poor and needy. Churches depend on their members putting money in the collection plate on Sundays. But if people don't have confidence that their money is being spent correctly, they are going to be less inclined to give. Indeed, a couple groups protested outside the diocese headquarters on Thursday and urged people to donate elsewhere, or at least restrict the use of their contributions, because of the unanswered concerns. U.S. bishops realized during the priest sexual abuse scandal that the way to restore the public's confidence was to operate more transparently. It's a lesson that Braxton and all church leaders also should apply to finances.
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