Supporters of Embattled Troy Priest Push for His Return

For Susan Stahl of Troy, Sundays haven't been the same since the Rev. Edward Belczak left the pulpit in January.

"Church attendance has dropped and I know donations are down. We’re praying for him every week and saying the Reaching Out to Do More Prayer in hopes that he will be returned to us soon," said Stahl, an eight-year member of St. Thomas More Catholic Church on North Adams Road.   

Belczak, who has served at St. Thomas More since 1984, was asked to step aside in January after an audit by the Archdiocese of Detroit revealed he may have mishandled over $400,000 of church funds.

Msgr. John Zenz, head of Birmingham's Holy Name Catholic Church, took over the administrative duties of the parish during the investigation. Meanwhile, Belczak filed suit in an attempt to have his Merrill Lynch funds and bank safe deposit box unfrozen following an order from the Troy Police Department.

A new group of supporters, calling themselves Friends of Father Belczak, have come forward in the 67-year-old priest's defense to encourage the Archdiocese of Detroit to end their investigation and allow his return to St. Thomas More.

The group of Catholics and non-Catholics, of varying ages and backgrounds, have joined forces on Facebook and at bringbackfatherb.com to pray for and promote the ministry of Belczak. "Other supporters are visiting the website sharing stories about how Father Belczak has changed their lives by listening to confessions, forgiving their failings, and encouraging them to realize that God truly loves them no matter what," the group claims.  

Stahl said for her part that she is "willing to do anything to spread the news that Father Belczak is a good man." Another couple of longtime churchgoers say that Belczak continues to mentor their families.

"We have been active members of St. Thomas More parish for over 25 years and have enjoyed Father's sermons, leadership and spirit as well as his ability to apply religion to everyday living," said Barbara and Rich Peluso.

The group claims that since the Archdiocese released a statement in January regarding the investigation, that Belczak "has never been charged with any crime by Troy Police or any other law enforcement agent."

The Troy City Council approved a resolution on June 3 authorizing city attorneys to defend against Belczak's suit, which alleges that the city violated his Fourth Amendment rights by seizing his property. In addition to the requested access to his Merrill Lynch account, Belczak is also seeking monetary damages, costs, and attorney fees.         

The archdiocese said that the 67-year-old Belczak remains a priest but cannot serve as the parish's pastor until the end of their investigation.

Supporters of Belczak are urged to get involved by writing to Archbishop Allen Vigneron and to Pope Francis in The Vatican. For more information on Friends of Father Belczak, e-mail bringbackfatherb@gmail.com.