The Real Schism

As we await further news on the relationship between the Society of St. Pius X and Rome, our attention should perhaps focus on a real, continuing and spiritually devastating schism that is rocking the Catholic Church (especially, but not exclusively in a number of European nations).

The recent editorial from the Tablet on the so-called "Catholic Spring" reflects both a schismatic and heretical mentality. We could stop and ask right here: who is the greater problem; Bishop Fellay and his 5% disagreement with the Second Vatican Council based on his reading of previous papal documents and Councils; or the haphazard disagreement with innumerable doctrinal teachings from the Tablet and the various groups associated with the "Catholic Spring"? Disagreements not based on any papal teaching or Councils, but, in fact, from outside the Church. Consider, "the FSSPX does not reject Vatican II in its entirety: on the contrary, Bishop Fellay has stated that the society accepts 95% of its teachings. This means that the FSSPX is more loyal to the teachings of Vatican II than much of the clergy and hierarchy of the Catholic Church" (Fr. John Lamont, A Theologians Questions). 

Here are some brief facts on this growing schism: a manifesto called "Believers Speak Out" has garnered over 8000 signatures and won a hearing from the Belgian bishops? Will these be asked to sign a doctrinal preamble as a condition to returning to full union with the Church?  In 2011 a German-language manifesto, "Kirche" was signed by 150 theologians asking for, amongst other things, an "end to pitiless and rigorist morality. In June of 2011, in Austria over 300 priests signed the "Priests' Initiative" (a manifesto that apparently at least 30 % of Austrian priests agree with).  Then there was the Community of Catholic Women of Germany (KFD), in France, the Open Letter to the Christians to the Diocese of Rouen (signed by 170). A survey published on the Irish website of the Association of Catholic Priests claims amongst other things that 60% are in favour of the "ordination" of women. Canada too has its own problems: see, for example, the heretical  teachings on the Blessed Eucharist by the Archdiocese of Winnipeg.

The Tablet is right about a few things in its editorial, though not in the manner that it proposes. Yes, dissenting clergy are a reflection of dissenting laity, but they failed to mention that dissenting laity are also a reflection of dissenting clergy; in fact, it is a bi-directional relationship, driven dynamically by the clergy. The dissent, for example amongst the laity on sexual morality is driven and fed by a silent clergy (have you ever heard a homily on Humanae vitae etc.?).

In conclusion, the crisis is deep and profound; Bishop Fellay and the SSPX are presently at most a very small side show (with all due respect). The vast, vast majority of Catholics have not, and will not in the foreseeable future (though that might well change) attend Tridentine Masses. Nonetheless, the full union between Rome and Econe is of incredible value (primarily because Christ wills a unified Church under Peter), but also the counter lever that, over time, the Society can bring in catechesis to the average Catholic that they are not receiving from their pastors.