The Diocese of Belleville, an ecclesiastical territory with deep roots in Southern Illinois, has long served as a spiritual hub for Catholics in the region, playing a vital role in shaping religious and cultural norms through its parishes, schools, and ministries. Yet, it is now at the center of troubling allegations involving sexual abuse by clergy and other affiliated figures.

The clergy abuse lawyers at Injury Lawyer Team empower survivors to hold abusers and enablers accountable, seeking not only restitution but also a path toward healing.

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Background and Influence of the Catholic Diocese of Belleville

Established in 1887, the Diocese of Belleville has grown to become a significant spiritual and cultural institution in Southern Illinois.

Encompassing over 28 counties, the diocese serves tens of thousands of Catholics through a network of churches, schools, and ministries. Its headquarters, the Cathedral of St. Peter in Belleville, symbolizes its enduring presence and influence in the region.

Throughout its history, the diocese has played a key role in shaping the lives of its parishioners, fostering a sense of community and spiritual growth. However, its leadership has faced scrutiny for failing to address allegations of sexual abuse effectively.

Key figures, including Bishop Michael McGovern, the current bishop, and past leaders, have faced criticism for their roles in how the diocese has managed abuse allegations. Several priests, as well as religious brothers, have been accused of engaging in abusive behavior, with some cases involving repeated patterns of misconduct over the years.

Despite these challenges, the diocese remains a central part of the larger archdiocese and continues to exert influence across Illinois.

Abuse Allegations Within the Diocese of Belleville

Allegations of sexual abuse within the Diocese of Belleville have surfaced over several decades, involving multiple priests, religious brothers, and at least one deacon. These cases have drawn attention to systemic failures in protecting vulnerable individuals, particularly children, who were entrusted to the church’s care.

The accusations span from the mid-20th century to the present, with victims describing a range of abuses perpetrated during interactions with clergy in churches, schools, and other diocesan settings.

Survivors, many of whom were minors at the time, recount instances of manipulation, grooming, and abuse that occurred under the guise of religious or pastoral guidance. Some patterns of abuse were repeated across years, with multiple victims emerging against the same priests or leaders.

One such case is the one of Father Raymond Kownacki, whose tenure in the Diocese of Belleville is marked by multiple allegations of sexual abuse spanning decades. Despite early reports of misconduct, diocesan leadership repeatedly reassigned him to different parishes, enabling further abuse. [1]

Another example is the one of Father James Calhoun who faced multiple allegations of sexual misconduct, leading to his removal from ministry in March 1993. He was accused of being part of a pedophile sex ring involving other priests and was named in a 1994 civil suit. [2]

The list of accused Illinois priests in the Diocese of Belleville includes:

Fr. James R. Calhoun
Fr. Robert Chlopecki
Fr. David G. Crook
Fr. Daniel L. Friedman
Fr. Gerald R. Hechenberger
Fr. Edwin G. Kastner
Fr. Raymond F. Kownacki
Fr. Albert E. Kreher
Fr. Eugene G. Linnemann
Fr. Walter E. MacPherson
Fr. Thomas W. Miller
Fr. Arthur W. Niemeyer
Fr. Anthony Onyango
Fr. Louis P. Peterson
Fr. Jerome B. Ratermann
Fr. William F. Rensing
Fr. E. Alan Ruppert
Fr. Roger Schoenhofen
Fr. Joseph R. Schwaegel
Fr. Gary Sebescak
Deacon Francis Theis
Fr. Robert J. Vonnahmen

Legal Proceedings and Investigations into the Belleville Diocese

The Diocese of Belleville has been the focus of extensive legal and investigative scrutiny due to its handling of sexual abuse allegations. These efforts have highlighted systemic issues within the diocese, including failures to address complaints promptly and transparently.

The Illinois Attorney General’s office has conducted a comprehensive investigation into sexual abuse allegations within the Catholic Church across the state, including the Diocese of Belleville. In its 2019 report, the office revealed that Illinois dioceses, including Belleville, had underreported abuse cases and failed to disclose the full scope of allegations.

Several survivors of sexual abuse have filed civil lawsuits against the diocese, seeking justice for the harm they endured. Notable cases include:

$6.3 million jury award to James Wisniewski, a victim of abuse by Father Raymond Kownacki. He originally won a settlement of $5 million from the diocese, which was increased by $1.3 million in interest accrued during 3 years of unsuccessful legal appeals by the diocese. [3]
$1.2 million settlement awarded to a former altar boy at St. Theresa’s Parish in Salem, who named Rev. Raymond Kownacki as his abuser. [4]

The Diocese of Belleville’s Role in Enabling Abuse or Cover-Ups

The Diocese of Belleville has faced significant criticism for its handling of sexual abuse allegations, with evidence suggesting institutional actions—or inactions—allowed abuse to persist unchecked for decades.

In multiple cases, the diocese failed to act decisively when abuse allegations first emerged. For example, in the case of Father Raymond Kownacki, diocesan records revealed that leaders were aware of his abusive behavior as early as the 1970s. Rather than removing him from ministry, they reassigned him to other parishes, where he continued to prey on vulnerable individuals.

Investigations and lawsuits have uncovered efforts by diocesan leaders to suppress evidence and silence victims. Internal documents disclosed during the James Wisniewski case revealed a pattern of ignoring complaints and failing to report allegations to law enforcement.

Survivors have also reported pressure to remain silent, with some families discouraged from pursuing justice to “protect the church.”

While the diocese has implemented policies aimed at addressing abuse—such as the establishment of abuse prevention programs and training for clergy—critics argue that these measures are insufficient. Key gaps remain in the enforcement of these policies, with many survivors and advocates calling for independent oversight to ensure compliance.

Legal Options for Survivors of Abuse Within the Diocese of Belleville

Survivors of sexual abuse within the Diocese of Belleville have several legal avenues to seek justice and accountability.

They can work with law enforcement to pursue criminal charges against their abusers. Prosecutors handle these cases, which aim to hold perpetrators accountable through penalties such as imprisonment. However, depending on when the abuse occurred and the jurisdiction’s laws, statutes of limitations may apply.

Survivors can also file civil claims against both the diocese and individual clergy members. These lawsuits focus on seeking financial compensation for damages, including emotional distress, medical expenses, and lost opportunities.

Illinois has taken significant steps to support survivors of clergy abuse. In recent years, the state has extended or eliminated statutes of limitations for certain sexual abuse cases, enabling more survivors to pursue legal action regardless of when the abuse occurred.

How Injury Lawyer Team Can Help

At Injury Lawyer Team, we understand the profound impact that sexual abuse has on survivors and their families. We are dedicated to holding abusers and the institutions that enabled them accountable. The Illinois clergy abuse attorney appointed to your case will work tirelessly to uncover evidence, build strong legal claims, and secure the compensation survivors deserve.

We represent victims of clergy abuse within the Archdiocese of Chicago, including:

Diocese of Joliet
Diocese of Rockford
Diocese of Peoria
Diocese of Springfield

Secure Expert Legal Counsel Today!

If you or someone you know has been harmed by clergy within the Diocese of Belleville, reach out to Injury Lawyer Team. Our team is ready to help you seek justice and begin the healing process.

We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning survivors owe no fees unless we successfully recover compensation. Additionally, all consultations are strictly confidential, providing a safe space for survivors to share their stories and explore their legal options.

Call 866-757-6452 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation with a clergy sex abuse attorney.

References: [1] Bishop Accountability, [2] Bishop Accountability, [3] Catholic Culture, [4] Bishop Accountability