Replies

I am of two minds on this post. On the one hand I am pleased by the meeting which can not hurt at this point, and may prove helpful. On the other hand I note, yet again, the pronounced mindset of the SSPX. This can be boiled down to several points. First, they continue to presume to set themselves up in judgment over the Pope. Secondly the tone of this letter clearly indicates that they have no real hope or any particularly urgent desire to restore themselves to full communion with the Holy See. And third we see the growing evidence of the effects of prolonged schism. The longer the schism remains, the more "normal" it appears in the minds of the schismatics. This has the attendant consequence of making it harder to restore communion. It is of course a long standing truism that no schismatic has ever recognized himself as such. And the longer the separation remains the more comfortable they become in their condition. In the end most schisms are a product of the sin of pride. I think this one is no exception. I once was associated with the SSPX. And although I have at times been harshly critical of their mindset on many points, I remain sympathetic to many of their concerns. The issues they have raised are often legitimate ones. It is deeply painful that they seem unable to grasp that by operating outside of the Church they greatly weaken their position, and strengthen their enemies.

Williamson does not seem to be on the same sheet of music as Fellay.

If Fellay seeks and get official recognition from the Pontiff then the SSPX may split wide open.

Fellay needs to be mindful of the FSSP who had their balls cut off and handed back to them. On the flip side...the Bishop in Campos, Brazil has done well for himself and his flock.

With a new Pontiff....this is a total wildcard situation.

My opinion? The SSPX should get full recognition as a Religious Order on par with the Jesuits but the nasty backtalk needs to stop. Pope Benedict may just go way out on a limb on this one.

The Charismatics, Neo Catholics and liberals will be jumping out of buildings. At the height of their hysteria I'd love to see a major move toward re-union with the Orthodox. I want a new parish closer to my home...Greek Orthodox or a shiny new SSPX chapel will do...but the Charismatic proto Protestant bullcrap Masses around the corner from me are wearing thin.

"First, they continue to presume to set themselves up in judgment over the Pope."

Do they?

If there is any authority superior to the Holy Father, short of the Holy Trinity, it is the Church itself.

If obedience to the Church itself involves disobedience to the Holy Father, is that really "setting yourself up in judgment?"

It is historical fact that there have been bad popes, and I think it is clear that there is a point at which each of us would disobey a bad pope.

Therefore, the question is whether that point has been reached, not whether anyone is "setting himself up in judgment."