[B Knotts]

I understand and accept their validity, but I also am aware of the illicit nature of their Masses, at least from the perspective of Rome. I generally shy away from getting into the SSPX controversy, in part because I acknowledge as accurate many valid criticisms they make. I still believe the best place to fight for what is right is within the formal Church.

I pray that at some point, a reasonable accomodation can be made that will bring us all back together, as an SSPX within the Church would be a great blessing to those many Catholics who would benefit from completely traditional parishes.

[Canticle_of_Deborah]

I came across this little gem recently.

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IS THE SSPX SCHISMATIC?

The Society is not regarded as schismatic by some of the highest prelates in the Vatican. As proof the letter from the Apostolic Pro-Nuncio in the United States in the name of Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger (1), Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and a letter from Cardinal Edward Cassidy (2), President of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity.

(1) In Hawaii in May 1991 Bishop Ferrario decided to excommunicate some followers of the Society of St.Pius X for supporting the Society and attending its Masses. Rome declared that the decision "lacks foundation and hence validity". The excommunication was overturned by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, the Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, on June 28, 1993.
"From the examination of the case, conducted on the basis of the Law of the Church, it did not result that the facts referred to in the above-mentioned Decreee, are formal schismatic acts in the strict sense, as they do not constitute the offence of schism; and therefore the Congregation holds that the Decree of May 1, 1991, lacks foundation and hence validity" (Apostolic Nunciature, Washington DC)

(2) Extract from a reply written on May 3,1994 by Cardinal Edward Casssidy, President of the Pontifical Council for Christian Unity,to an inquiry about the status of the Society of St.Pius X
"... Regarding your inquiry (March 25, 1994) I would point out at once that the Directory on Ecumenism is not concerned with the Society of St. Pius X. The situation of the members of this Society is an internal matter of the Catholic Church. The Society is not another Church or Ecclesial Community in the meaning used in the Directory. Of course the Mass and Sacraments administered by the priests of the Society are valid. The Bishops are validly, but not lawfully, consecrated.... I hope this answers your letter satisfactorily."

[rogator]

"I still believe the best place to fight for what is right is within the formal Church."

This is a still a defensible statement in our Portland diocese, but I can certainly see a need to flee to the spiritual refuge of the SSPX in some regions of the country. Then again, I am not sure that the SSPX is not part of the formal church. I guess it depends where you draw the line.

[ultima ratio]

There is no way to fight within "the formal Church" as you say, especially when most Catholics have been trained to be docile to a fault. Things have gotten from bad to worse. At some point you have to man the lifeboats.