Catholic Diocese of Belleville

David Clohessy, the Missouri Volunteer Director of the Survivors of those Abused by Priests group, right, addresses the media other members on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, during a press conference outside of the Cathedral of Saint Peter in Belleville. The press conference was in response to a nearly 700-page Illinois Attorney General report that shows Catholic dioceses in Illinois under-reported number of abusive priests over roughly seven decades.

What a new report reveals about the Belleville Diocese child-sex-abuse cases

Teri Maddox

According to a new report from Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, in all, 43 clerics and religious brothers in the Diocese of Belleville sexually abused children or adults since 1950.

David Clohessy, the Missouri Volunteer Director of the Survivors of those Abused by Priests group, addresses the media alongside Lena Woltering, 75, of Belleville, on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, during a press conference outside of the Cathedral of Saint Peter in Belleville. The press conference was in response to a nearly 700-page Illinois Attorney General report that shows Catholic dioceses in Illinois under-reported number of abusive priests over roughly seven decades.

Race, Identity and Faith

Catholic dioceses in Illinois under-reported number of abusive priests, state finds

Teri Maddox

In all, 43 clerics and religious brothers in the Diocese of Belleville sexually abused children or adults since 1950. That’s the latest finding from Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul.

A compilation of headshots of priests and deacons.

Race, Identity and Faith

A priest scandal rocked the Belleville Diocese 30 years ago. How have things changed?

Teri Maddox

The Belleville News-Democrat published its first story on the issue in February 1993. By 2002, the diocese, which covers 28 counties in southern Illinois, had removed 15 priests and one deacon from ministry.

In August 1992, Monsignor Joseph R. Schwaegel of St. Peter's Cathedral in Belleville sang the National Anthem before the Cardinals game.

Arts

Belleville Priest Who Said He ‘Never Hurt A Child’ Accused For Second Time Of Sexually Abusing A Boy

Catholic church leaders in the Belleville Diocese promoted a priest they knew as a danger to children until he was in charge of their largest parish and…

Bishop Edward K. Braxton initiated the practice of holding a Red Mass each fall to mark the start of the U.S. Supreme Court session. He's shown here in 2016 at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Belleville.

Government, Politics & Issues

Belleville Diocese Waiting To See If Pope Accepts Resignation Of Controversial Bishop

Bishop Edward K. Braxton turns 75 on Friday, prompting supporters and critics to wonder how much longer he will be leading the Catholic Diocese of…

Catholic Diocese of Belleville Deacon Coordinator Robert Lanter was arraigned on a sex charge on Friday. April 26, 2019

Other

Head Deacon Of Belleville Catholic Diocese Charged With Sex Crime

Beth Hundsdorfer

The Deacon Coordinator for the Catholic Diocese of Belleville was arraigned Friday on criminal sexual assault charges.A grand jury indicted Robert Lanter,…

S. Ill. Catholic organization wants to join foster care suit

Catholic Social Services of Southern Illinois is asking to join a lawsuit against the state over foster placements to gay couples.The organization is…