Can SSPX come back without Bp Williamson?

[asnlady]

If I understand things correctly, SSPX is distancing themselves from Bp Williamson. His statement that he will “reexamine the evidence of the Holocaust” again makes me think he won’t recant fully. It seems like the Pope was about to fully recognize SSPX when Bp Williamson statements railroaded the whole situation. It bothers me that non catholics (Germany’s Chancelor and the Jewish Organizations) have so much influence on the church as much as Bp Williamson’s statements. Do you think the Pope will take the SSPX back WITHOUT Bp Williamson, or is the Bp and SSPX unbreakably linked?

 

[yinekka]

As far as I understand the situation - the excommunication was imposed because the four men were consecrated bishops invalidly. The excommunication was lifted because Pope Benedict wished to help these men reconcile with the Church. Bp Williamson’s views have nothing to do with the lifting of the excommunication. The lifting of the excommunication doesn’t mean that the SSPX is reconciled with the Church. When and if the bishops are reconciled if Bp Williamson hasn’t recanted his views I don’t think he will be a bishop.

 

[I_Believe]

Welcome to CA asnlady

Basically, as of now, the SSPX has been welcomed back. Bishop Williamson is no longer an issue. He has stepped down, for now it seems, and the Jewish Congress is satisfied with Rome’s position on the issue.

Cardinal Hoyos has announced the regularization process has resumed.
forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=309958

An important statement was to be made on Feb 2nd, but the Bishop Williamson issue delayed it.

 

[Andreas_Hofer]

Neither the pope nor those in the SSPX intent upon reunion will let one individual get in the way; Bp. Williamson may be someone of influence within the society, but he is not its leader and is not necessary to its survival. I was actually surprised, though, about how quickly the SSPX moved him out of his rectorate - showing their real hope for reconciliation at this period of time and their willingness to bend a little - as well as the fact that Bp. Williamson’s tone seems markedly muted from previous years and he just might be showing a willingness to bear some consequences if it means the rest of the society can more easily proceed. The bottom line: though the Williamson affair has definitely caused at least delay if not actual setback in regularization, I think it has also shown us - due to the responses it elicited within the SSPX, including the expulsion of a priest who tried to back up the bishop - that we have much reason to hope that things are almost at an end.

 

[CapIV]

SSPX can fully reunite with Rome with or without Williamson.

 

[Icarus210]

Just a point, It will be interesting to see, when it happens, how all their seminaries, schools, houses and churches (and bank accounts) will be happily given over to the local bishops in all those countries… and of course what those bishops will do with them.

Just a ponder

 

[pnewton]

Just a point, It will be interesting to see, when it happens, how all their seminaries, schools, houses and churches (and bank accounts) will be happily given over to the local bishops in all those countries… and of course what those bishops will do with them.

Just a ponder

That may well be a major point to iron out. In the end, will the SSPX be willing to submit and trust the authority vested in the Church?

The answer to the question is yes, of course they can. The better question is will they. All that remains to be seen.

 

[bubba451]

and then again, His Holiness may have another idea that has not been presented here. Paitence. I’m certain that we DO NOT have the whole picture here. Let the other shoe(s) drop and we shall see. No one person other than Christ is essential.

 

[Andreas_Hofer]

Just a point, It will be interesting to see, when it happens, how all their seminaries, schools, houses and churches (and bank accounts) will be happily given over to the local bishops in all those countries… and of course what those bishops will do with them.

Just a ponder

Of course, if they were readmitted as a society of apostolic life or personal prelature (in other words, as an intact whole), they wouldn’t have to turn everything over to the local hierarchy. And I can almost guarantee that the local bishop wants nothing to do with Econe . . .

 

[DavidPalm]

Just a point, It will be interesting to see, when it happens, how all their seminaries, schools, houses and churches (and bank accounts) will be happily given over to the local bishops in all those countries… and of course what those bishops will do with them.

Just a ponder

I believe that those physical assets belong to the Society and therefore would remain under their charge, just as with any other religious order or congregation of religious life. The assets of the Fraternity of St. Peter and the Institute of Christ the King aren’t under control of the local bishop and I don’t see why this would be any different for the Society of Pius X.