Rome-SSPX: US District Superior grants Interview on Negotiations

An interesting interview is carried in The Remnant with the District Superior of the SSPX in the United States, Fr. Arnand Rostand.

We are today in a waiting phase. During the two past years doctrinal discussions took place between the experts of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and those of the Society of Saint Pius X.  Even though the discussions remained private, it is not a secret that the two positions were not reconciled. There is still disagreement on doctrinal matters, however, it is clear that the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith did not find any of our positions to be non-Catholic. Despite this disagreement, it appears that the Holy Father is willing to grant a canonical statute to the Society. A few weeks ago His Excellency Bishop Fellay sent a doctrinal declaration to Rome. We are now waiting for the answer from Rome....

...The reason why the Pope wants to resolve this situation is difficult to know. On the one hand, there seems to be a desire on his part to avoid a so-called “schism.” On the other hand, he is aware of the dramatic situation of the Church, which readers of your newspaper know all to well: open heresies professed by churchmen, sometimes touching the divinity of our Lord Himself, not to mention open rebellion, loss of faith, and disciplinary problems, whether in Austria, America, or Ireland… The Holy Father, I think, sees that the SSPX could be of some assistance in helping fight these real and all-too-prevalent problems.


...We must expect a fight even with a new canonical structure. The line given to us by our founder, started during the Second Vatican Council, has always been characteristic of the SSPX. From 1970, through the condemnations of the 70's and 80's, and over the past 18 years of Bishop Fellay's term as Superior General, the Society maintained this faithfulness. By the grace of God, we must and will continue to hold fast.