Supplements

current ISSUE

appellate court returns decision on diocesan lawsuit

A decision by the 5th District Appellate Court in Mt. Vernon was made public Jan. 13 concerning a 2008 lawsuit brought against the diocese.

The diocese released the following statement by Bishop Edward K. Braxton Jan. 14:
“The Catholic Diocese of Belleville acknowledges the Illinois Appellate Court’s decision in the case of James Wisniewski v. The Catholic Diocese of Belleville.

“The diocese continues to express regret for any instance of sexual abuse of a minor by a member of its clergy. The diocese is committed to adhering to its Child Protection Policy and will continue to assist all victims and their families in furtherance of that Policy and its ministry.”

The appeal was made after a $5 million judgment was handed down against the diocese in the 2008 civil trial in St. Clair County court.