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hamburglar
Guest
What should refer to the SSPX Bishops as? Are they valid Bishops, or should refer to the as simply Priests?
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P
ProVobis
Guest
If they weren’t bishops then all their ordinations would be invalid. But their ordinations were valid.
Currently they are valid bishops but without any authority to ordain or even to say Mass until their canonical status is defined.
I don’t know why you wouldn’t address them as “bishops.” Rabbis are rabbis and pastors are pastors and PhD’s are doctors.
Currently they are valid bishops but without any authority to ordain or even to say Mass until their canonical status is defined.
I don’t know why you wouldn’t address them as “bishops.” Rabbis are rabbis and pastors are pastors and PhD’s are doctors.
T
twf
Guest
Ontologically speaking, they are bishops. They have received the fulness of the high priesthood of Christ and their souls have been eternally transformed/marked for this purpose. That being said, they have not received jurisdiction/authority to exercise their ministry in the Church, which can only be granted by Peter.
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The_Prodigal
Guest
As I understand it, it is the status of their society that is in doubt, and not their consecrations as bishops.
Since the excommunications have been lifted, they are in full communion with the Church.
Surely, then, they can both ordain priests (not bishops) and celebrate Mass without restriction, can’t they?
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ProVobis
Guest
There are restrictions but let’s hope they end soon. However, that may not happen until all the furor surrounding certain things said has died down.
But you’re right they are in full communion with the Church and may receive the sacraments and enjoy all other rights as Catholics themselves.
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Ace86
Guest
Yes they are bishops, and you should address them accordingly, unlike those Anglicans who play dress up every Sunday.
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I_Believe
Guest
When in doubt, turn to Rome 
It’s really a no brainer.
K
Kearney
Guest
They are validly ordained bishops but they lack both jurisdiction and authority so their ministry is pretty much worthless.
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ProVobis
Guest
That’s cold.
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I_Believe
Guest
Are you for real ? The first day of Lent, and you spew venom like that.
The average 3rd grader in their schools know their Faith better than you and me combined I’d bet.
Take the SSPX clergy and their flock out of France, and the % of Catholics who attend Mass regularly drops to 5 %.
I’ve seen many ignorant statements here at CA, but that has to be #1.
J
JulianN
Guest
Their sentences of excommunication have been lifted, but they have no authority to exercise episcopal authority.
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ProVobis
Guest
Apostolic succession trumps what you refer to as “episcopal authority.” In other words, they are still VALID bishops. What ANY bishop is allowed to do is determined by the Pope, that is, if he doesn’t wish to risk excommunication.
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pnewton
Guest
Yes, they are bishops. Even if they were not valid, though, like some Protestants, I always use the appropriate title, both as a show of respect for each group to designate their own titles, and as a response to the Golden Rule. I would expect our own clergy to be given the same dignity.
M
maurin
Guest
the statement quoted first above shouldn’t be surprising…as anything in its deathrows will do, it shouts the loudest and most ferociously when experiencing its demise.Are you for real ? The first day of Lent, and you spew venom like that.
Take the SSPX clergy and their flock out of France, and the % of Catholics who attend Mass regularly drops to 5 %.
I’ve seen many ignorant statements here at CA, but that has to be #1.
C
chris_molter
Guest
Yes, thank God we are not as they are…
Seriously, that was entirely unnecessary. If you wanted to use Anglicans as an example of ‘Bishops’ who are not actually Bishops, you could have picked more temperate language. Maybe the same language the Church uses when it talks about them?
M
m134e5
Guest
They are validly ordained bishops, and deserve no less respect than any other bishop.
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