Atlanta's archbishop will be called as witness in clergy sex abuse & cover up trial

It's happening now in his former diocese of Belleville Illinois

Accused priest has been sued for abusing, impregating teen and performing abortion

He's still on church payroll now, though has been suspended, & has molested boys & girls

Lawsuit charges that Gregory & top aides kept allegations secret, even from their own church panel

A lawyer for the Catholic Diocese of Belleville Illinois disclosed this morning that Atlanta's high profile Catholic archbishop will be a witness in a rare pedophile priest trial that incluldes charges of fraud by church officials.

The trial, expected to last a week, is being held in St. Clair County courthouse under Judge Lloyd Cueto. Opening statements were made this morning. Gregory's former top aide, Msgr. James Margason, will testify this afternoon. He's now pastor of Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Shiloh, Illinois 618-632-7614

The accused priest is Fr. Ray Kownacki, who now lives in Dupo, Illinois. The victim is James Wisniewski of Champaign, Illinois.

http://www.bishop-accountability.org/news2008/07_08/2008_08_18_Pawlaczyk_SexAbuse.htm

Plaintiff's attnys:
Mike Weilmuenster and Steve Wigginton 618 257 2222

Diocese's attny:
David Wells 314 552 6118

For more information:
David Clohessy of SNAP, 314 566 9790
David Spotanski of Belleville Diocese 618 235 9601