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ASSOCIATION FOR THE RIGHTS OF CATHOLICS IN THE CHURCH
3150 Newgate, Florissant, MO 67033
Contact:
Robert Schutzius, 314-837-0678
Leonard Swidler, President, 215-477-1080
June 21, 2005
For Immediate Release:
ARCC supports the efforts of the Catholics of Belleville, IL
The concerns courageously being expressed by Catholics in Belleville IL about
the somewhat suspicious appointment of their new leader, Bishop Edward K. Braxton,
should be shared by all Catholics throughout the country. The timing, the process
of his appointment, and his attitude and past behavior seem to be serious obstacles
for the full and joyful reception that a new bishop would ordinarily receive. Their
vigilance and solicitude over the qualifications of their new bishop is particularly
important at this time when Church leadership in general is under scrutiny, and
has been found lacking in many cases. Those who accept new leaders without question
deserve the leadership they get.
ARCC supports the efforts of the Catholics of Belleville IL and reminds all Catholics
of a right that has been our heritage from the beginning and has been taken from
us by the structural adoption of Roman law: In ARCC's Charter of Rights of Catholics
in the Church, Right No. 5 states, "All Catholics have the right to a voice
in all decisions that affect them, including the choosing of their leaders" (Canon
212:3). (See http://arccsites.org for full Charter of Rights).
For further information contact:
Leonard Swidler, 215-477-1080, dialogue@temple.edu
or
Robert Schutzius, 314-837-0678, rschutz1@prodigy.net
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