“They were always Catholic. .... When they did, they left and rejoined the Church.”
If they were always Catholic, what did they “rejoin”?
“As I said, that is my opinion.”
Right. A very protestant point of view.
“I regard their footdragging as evidence that they remain schismatic and are not ready.”
You have no standing to make such a decision. You are arrogating the duties of the Vatican. Why?
“If they were always Catholic, what did they “rejoin”?”
The Church, when they left their Lefebrist parish, and regularized things with the bishop. As I said, they were unaware of the distinction. When they were made aware of the distiction, they left.
You can leave without leaving, many find themselves outside, while still remaining Catholic, Narses. That is why people state they are Catholic and in good standing. Both are important.
This is why I state that they were always Catholic, because they were never in wilfull disobedience to His Holiness.
“You have no standing to make such a decision. You are arrogating the duties of the Vatican. Why?”
What decision am I making? I am simply stating my opinion of the affairs as they stand. It is up to the Pope to decide what to do, if anything about this letter. I believe they are not ready, but I’m not going to be the one to state that they should not keep working towards the ultimate goal.
Far from it. I’m stating that their reluctance is, at present, evidence that they are not ready. That can and will change over time.
As for being protestant, fair enough. I was what I was. But the difference here is that I accept the Second Vatican council, warts and all. :) If an outright former heretic can do this then so can the Lefebrvists.