We’ve been following this for a while…the initial dissatisfaction with the assignment of Bishop Braxton to this diocese to replace now-Archbishop Gregory, the growing complaints about style and substance. It’s all been rather confusing, although this new piece from the NCR(eporter) does clear things up a bit because the writer is at least familiar with the Catholic landscape, which the secular reporters…aren’t.

The issue is leadership and personal style, a critique which dogged Braxton in Lake Charles, as well.  The decisions that NCR reports are most contentious, with the exception of the renovation of the residence, do not seem unreasonable at all – it is the lack of formal consultation that seems to be irritating the priests who complain, the group which includes the rector of the Cathedral. And before you jump on this, consider how much you actually know about how decisions were made in Belleville under previous bishops or how such decisions are made in other dioceses – how extensively priests are consulted, either individually or as a group. If you don’t have first-hand experience, you probably shouldn’t bother commenting if all you have to go on is what you, if you are an outsider to diocesan politics, think "should" be the process. I make no apologies for saying that (notice I’m not commenting either) – there’s nothing enlightening about a bunch of people who have no direct knowledge of precedent generating a lot of heat.

Since his June 22 installation in Belleville, which was picketed by laity, it is Braxton’s unilateral governing style that has been the major subject of conversation. Among the issues:

• The bishop recently issued new procedures for confirmation, calling for parishes to cluster together in central locations or come to the cathedral for reception of the sacrament. “There was no discussion with clergy or laity about this,” said Stec.
• In November Braxton authorized Sunday celebrations led by a deacon or layperson in parishes as a result of the priest shortage; permission of the bishop is required for every such celebration and the deacon or lay presider must be approved by the bishop. Msgr. Carl Schaefer, chair of the priests’ council, said he first learned of this decision when he was informed by a letter sent to all the priests.
• Just before Christmas the clergy were told, also by letter, that two Nigerian priests would begin working in the diocese in early January. “This was news to all of us,” said Stec. “We have no voice, we’re simply cut off.”
• Braxton has had one brief meeting with the diocesan consultors since his arrival, during which he indicated, said Hitpas, that unlike his predecessor Gregory, he would not be using them much for consultation.

Braxton has yet to meet with the personnel board, which means that decisions about priest replacements or transfers are left hanging. He has, however, met on occasion with the priests’ council, said Schaefer, during which some decisions have been made. But in many cases, he said, discussions were “after the fact,” that is, the matters had already been decided by the bishop. During his convocation with the priests last summer, Braxton gave a lengthy talk, then departed without any opportunity for questions or discussion.

snip

Fr. John Myler, a pastor in the city of Belleville, said, “I think he has been courageous in handling difficult matters in the diocese.” He cited the bishop’s decisions about Sunday celebrations without a priest and his invitation to the Nigerians. When reminded that these decisions were made without input from the standard representative organizations, Myler said, “That doesn’t mean no one was consulted. I know he has consulted with priests and some lay people too.” Furthermore, added Myler, “My brother priests embarrass me. They promised the bishop respect and obedience, and from the beginning that has not been given.”