LACROSSE, Wis. – The Catholic bishop of La Crosse, William Callahan, criticized extremist and conspiratorial statements coming from the priesthood at St. James the Less Church on LaCrosse’s North Side.  In a formal statement the diocese said: “It is a matter of concern for Bishop Callahan when Father James Altman, or any of his priests, address medical, political or worldly challenges in a manner that misleads or overtly condemns others.” Callahan continues to work privately on the issues with Altman, the statement said.  Altman has discouraged parishioners from masking, Altman has called Covid vaccinations a governent hoax to suppress freedom and declared that vaccine advocates will burn “in the hottest fires in hell.” In the past the diocese has condemned similar messages from Altman and threatened that severe action, not just words, could be expected if he didn’t calm his rhetoric. Nonetheless Altman has stepped up his messages and also video production that ends up on Youtube and other online sites.

Verbatim

Diocesan statement: “It remains a challenge to balance our needs with the need to protect public health in our churches when we are in need of rebuilding a strength of faith and practice of religion. No matter one’s view we should always act out of love for God and love for neighbor.”

Callahan. LaCrosse Diocese bishop since 2010.