Thousands of diocesan documents stolen in Diocee of Las Cruces; head of Voice of the Laity allegedly involved

In New Mexico, the scope of the conflict between the Diocese of Las Cruces and Voice of the Laity has shifted after Bishop Peter Baldacchino accused the leader of the organization of involvement in the theft of thousands of diocesan documents.

In a May 8 letter to the Basilica of San Albino in the town of Mesilla, Baldacchino was clarifying why Father Christopher Williams – who is strongly supported by the Voice of the Laity – was suspended from the church.

“In September 2025, the Diocese became aware that over sixty thousand private diocesan records were stolen. This was immediately reported to civil authorities and the Diocese began an internal investigation,” the bishop wrote.

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The bishop’s letter claimed the diocese became aware of the involvement of Williams and some of the employees of the basilica in the theft.

It also said the theft took place in the home of the leader of Voice of the Laity.

“According to testimony, Fr. Chris Williams directed these individuals to provide him with diocesan financial records,” the bishop continued. “The stolen records were downloaded to a drive provided by the leader of