Replies

"Okay--I've found the context. What can I say?"

That you will begin to ask the SSPX serious questions about why disciplinary action appears to have been taken against the first priest ordained for them by Archbishop Lefebvre, namely Fr. Aulagnier, while day after day Bishop Williamson appears to get away with such actions that in the opinions of many undermine the SSPX's credibility.

I'm offended, that he would use such a source to make a point. It was inexcusable.

Yes, but nobody in the SSPX ever does anything about it. However, when Fr. Aulagnier expresses enthusiasm about the Campos reconciliation and the possibility of an SSPX reconciliation as well, he's demoted not too long afterward and shipped to Williamson's back-yard.

Unfortunately, I must agree with Mr. Christophe at La Nef (France's most insightful traditionalist magazine) when he writes that if Fellay is unable to command obedience from the Williamson crowd should he sign a reconciliation agreement with Rome in the future, then Fellay is unable to command obedience from Williamson and his supporters now. Therefore, he needs to choose quickly between Williamson's followers and Aulagnier's. Unfortunately, I think we know whose side Fellay appears to be taking. This was the subject of my initial posting, and the contrast between how Aulagnier has been mistreated in my opinion and how Williamson is being treated is simply and absolutely scandalous.

Look, I have often said here Williamson is not my cup of tea. I have no idea why Aulagnier has been transferred here, but it need not be for the reasons you suggest. I trust Fellay--he is a prudent and decent man and not at all opposed to reconciliation if the foundation is there for the faith to flourish. As I've already said, it may well be Father Aulagnier has been transferred here to exert an influence on Williamson. What you perceive as "mistreatment" may not be that, especially since there is a way the rumor-mill gets going once somebody favored is transferred.

Moreover, I don't see how a loose cannon like Williamson can be censured by his peers for quoting the Protocols and opposing the Sound of Music. Perhaps it is because his statements have been too obviously expressed as opinions on contemporary affairs and not as formal teachings of the perennial Church. It's hard to take seriously the quotes cited, which are admittedly an embarrassment and show ignorance, but not a major breech in violation of the faith. My own view is that if there is a reconciliation and Williamson refuses to go along, he will be isolated, along with a few of his American followers. I don't think they will be that great in number--though I think the thought of a split is nevertheless giving Fellay and others heartburn. Most want rapprochement with Rome--if Rome returns to its theological senses--but they don't want to split off from America.