Diocese looks at next steps in local sexual abuse cases

Since 1993, 15 priests and one deacon ministering in the Belleville diocese were placed on administrative leave because of allegations of sexual misconduct with minors. One priest was reinstated and returned to ministry. Allegations against all of the priests who were removed were investigated by the Diocesan Review Board.

At this writing, one of the priests who was removed has died, and one priest has requested laicization. His case is still being processed.

To read the rest of the story, please see The Messenger newspaper.