SSPX: Vatican decree is invalid

My family attends Immaculate Conception Church. We do so because its priests of the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) remain attached to Rome and its centuries-old Catholic Mass, teachings, doctrines and sacraments that have been handed down from the Apostles. It is not a “break-away” group for not changing as the “conciliar” church did after the Second Vatican Council. That council created a “Protestantized” Mass, revised sacraments and “pastoral” documents that promoted the right to profess false religions and new teachings that the Catholic Church is no longer the unique “ark of salvation.” Christ taught that He is “the Way, and the Truth, and the Life” (Jn 14:6), not that His Church is only one option among other paths.

That Vatican decree is mostly (if not completely) invalid: the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF) cannot reverse a papal action granting the SSPX confession and marriage faculties; using “schismatic” — rejection of papal authority (confused here with disobedience) — to issue a penalty is not allowed without identifying individuals, providing opportunity for defense and then judged in a decree. Decrees binding communities require legislative authority not held by the DDF. Footnotes cannot create canon law. Supplied jurisdiction always validates sacraments.

The SSPX is not “excommunicated,” but it’s obviously interfering with Vatican operatives’ plans.

KEVIN E. KIMPTON

Post Falls