A Public Statement

This is from the Durendal weblog.

http://rencesvals.blogspot.com/2010/02/public-statement.html

I hope that our readers will indulge the co-editor of this blog in a personal and perhaps somewhat sentimental post. It concerns recent happenings in the traditionalist world and two men whom I hold dearly in my heart. I've keep silent on the matters for a variety of reasons, but now realise I cannot remain so. I would hold myself as a miscreant and unworthy of the affection each man holds for me if I were to keep my fingers still.

The individuals in question are His Lordship Bishop Richard Williamson, and Mr. Stephen Heiner. The matter is the vile hit-piece published by Der Spiegel the first week of February (cf. http://freeinternetpress.com/story.php?sid=24384 and http://truerestoration.blogspot.com/2010/02/der-spiegel-real-story.html) -- a piece not so outrageous for its attack on Bp. Williamson (this is expected from the secular media) as for the things that came out of Menzingen to fuel the article.

Criticizing or opposing clergy is generally reserved for modernist clergy. I recognize the need for traditionalists to close ranks, and I further recognize the respect and deference due to our priests and bishops. But that said, even while giving every possible benefit of a doubt to the leadership of the S.S.P.X, I must with all due deference state that it is frankly appalling that senior clerics of the S.S.P.X feel the need to speak so badly of their comrade, comparing him to "a piece of uranium" and saying “He gets an idea into his head, becomes fixated on it and exaggerates. But he doesn't study the documents” (which is calumny if Fr. Pfluger actually knows Bp. Williamson's ways, and rash judgement based on ignorance if he doesn't). MAYBE, one could refrain from condemning such comments a year ago when the media storm was intense. But now, it is, again with the greatest of deference, an unconscionable way to treat a long-time comrade.

I further find is disturbing that the Spiegel reporters were not only given the time of day but sent to London to interrogate Bp. Williamson. Beyond disturbing, I must say that, considering Maximilian Krah is the retained legal counsel for the S.S.P.X in Germany, that

his arrangements with Der Spiegel appear to be a calculated plan to "show Bishop Williamson as unbalanced, ill, and outcast" (as Mr. Heiner says, cf. http://truerestoration.blogspot.com/2010/02/das-ist-geschehen-responding-to-herr.html) so as to effectively distance the S.S.P.X from him. If the leadership of the S.S.P.X feels that as a practical measure it must distance itself, so be it, but not like this. It is a grave injustice.

Now, I've said much to defend Bp. Williamson's dignity. How does this post defend Mr. Heiner? Well, firstly, I write this to show solidarity with him. I know that he is attacked for being "divisive" by writing as he has, but I agree with what he has done. While I have great respect for all that the leaders of the S.S.P.X have done, we cannot fall into the error of excessive obedience or a certain "papolatry" of our own. An injustice must be opposed even if said injustice is perpetrated by our friends, allies, or superiors.

As many good priests have said, the S.S.P.X is a human institution. Yet we should not be scandalised by all this as it is merely the this human aspect we see and by no means suggests we should abandon the S.S.P.X.
One might accuse me of being overly attached to Bishop Williamson's person. There may well be merit to that argument, as I consider His Lordship not only a spiritual father but a friend. The same could be said of my relationship with Stephen Heiner who is more of a peer when it comes to friendship. That said, it is the bonds of friendship that demands I speak out, but moreover, I do not believe my judgement has been totally clouded