The controversial Bishop Richard Williamson may soon be dismissed
from the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX), according to a leading Vatican
journalist.
Citing a report on the German internet site Kreuz.net, Andrea Tornielli of La Stampa
says that Bishop Williamson could be expelled from the SSPX for
continued acts of disobedience.
In defiance of SSPX statutes, Bishop
Williamson recently traveled to Brazil to administer the sacrament of
Confirmation without approval from his superiors in the society.
He has
also continued to produce a newsletter, in defiance of orders from
Bishop Bernard Fellay, the SSPX leader.
Bishop Williamson has caused headaches for the SSPX and for the Vatican
with his public statements, especially his statements questioning the
severity of the Holocaust.
He has also been an outspoken opponent of
efforts to reconcile the SSPX with the Holy See.
If he is dismissed from the SSPX, Bishop Williamson would almost
certainly take some priests and lay people with him, forming a separate
organization.
Such a development could complicate Vatican discussions
with the traditionalist group.
On the other hand, such a rift could mean
the departure from the SSPX of the most vociferous opponents of
accommodation with the Vatican, leaving the remaining group closer to
reconciliation.