SSPX seeks amendments to Doctrinal Preamble, Bishop Fellay discloses
CWN - November 29, 2011
The head of the Society of St. Pius X has confirmed that the traditionalist group will not accept the “Doctrinal Preamble” offered by the Vatican, and will seek modifications in the document.
Bishop Bernard Fellay said that the Doctrinal Preamble, which has not been made public, was the basis for further negotiations between the SSPX and the Vatican. He pointed out that the document was sent to the SSPX along with a note that “foresees the possibility of making clarifications.”
The SSPX will reply by suggesting some clarifications, Bishop Fellay said. “The proposal that I will make in the next few days to the Roman authorities, and their response in turn will enable us to evaluate our remaining options,” he said.
Bishop Fellay said that it was appropriate to delay publication of the Doctrinal Preamble, because it is the subject of delicate negotiations. Once those negotiations are concluded, he said—whatever the result—the document will be made public.
The SSPX leader seemed to indicate that the remaining point of contention is the authority of the Second Vatican Council. He noted that the Doctrinal Preamble allows for “legitimate discussion” on some conciliar statements. “What is the extent of this leeway?” he asked.
The Doctrinal Preamble, Bishop Fellay explained, is intended to serve as the preamble to a canonical document that would regularize the status of the SSPX. If the traditionalist group fails to reach an agreement with the Vatican on the document, that path toward reconciliation would be closed.
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Posted by: AgnesDay -
Nov. 30, 2011 3:59 PM ET USA
Bishop Fellay has instituted praying the Rosary for this intention. Maybe we should be doing the same.
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Posted by: Art Kelly -
Nov. 30, 2011 12:28 AM ET USA
In reading the new interview with Fellay, I don't get a good feeling. He doesn't sound reasonable at all. There will be no reunion with SSPX. Let them go their own way, just like the Protestants.
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Posted by: jeremiahjj -
Nov. 29, 2011 8:35 PM ET USA
I have always had a problem with "my way or the highway" approaches. When I was in management and someone approached me with that approach, I invariably said adios to the person. Even if I was leaning in his or her direction, the approach precluded any chance at negotiation. Apparently, SSPX hasn't been exposed to that management principle, but I'd be willing to bet the Vatican has.
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Posted by: Contrary1995 -
Nov. 29, 2011 5:46 PM ET USA
In other words, the Lefebvrists want the right to pick and choose among the Vatican Council's statements as it sees fit. Does this kind of thinking sound familiar?
