Catholic World News

SSPX bishop ordered to pay $18,000 fine for Holocaust denial October 28, 2009

A German court has fined Bishop Richard Williamson of the Society of St. Pius X €12,000 (nearly $18,000) for saying in an interview that historical evidence “is hugely against six million Jews having been deliberately gassed” during the Holocaust. In February, the Vatican called upon Bishop Williamson to “absolutely, unambiguously, and publicly distance himself from his position on the Holocaust.” The bishop could appeal the court's ruling.

In related news, Rabbi David Rosen of the American Jewish Committee said that he would be "very surprised" if the Vatican regularized the status of the Society of St. Pius X, despite current talks with the traditionalist group. He claimed that Bishop Williamson's statements on the Holocaust had drawn extra scrutiny for the SSPX. That claim was at odds with a statement released by the Vatican after the start of the talks with the SSPX; the Vatican statement indicated that the main topics to be addressed are doctrinal differences.

Source(s): these links will take you to other sites, in a new window.

• Holocaust denier fined by German court (Jerusalem Post)
• Germany: British Bishop Fined for Denying the Holocaust (New York Times)
• German court fines Holocaust-denying bishop (AP)
• Clarifying status of SSPX, Vatican says Williamson must recant (CWN, 02/04/2009)

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• Posted by: Anselm - Oct. 29, 2009 11:21 AM ET USA

  deery4323, I pray you are not implying that the Holocaust did not happen. And remember, the laws are in Europe, there rules of free speech differ slightly than ours. As a Soldier who defends your rights, I also remind you that that "Free Speech" does not mean you can say whatever you want. There is a limit. Denying the death of 6 million people is one of them! I will pray for you.

• Posted by: Minnesota Mary - Oct. 28, 2009 9:43 PM ET USA

  Preview of what's coming in the New World Order! The thought police will make sure that everyone thinks politically correctly. Spare us O Lord!

• Posted by: deery4323 - Oct. 28, 2009 5:41 PM ET USA

  What Bishop Williamson said was utterly ridiculous, but thank goodness we have freedom of speech in this country ... oh wait, didn't President Obama just sign the hate crimes legislation? Don't fool yourselves, it is not unrealistic to think this could happen in the U.S., and sooner than you think.