1) ... and the belief that mistakes which have been made are now realized, and measures are being taken to incrementally rewind (perhaps too slowly for some) the damage.
4) Finally, regarding the process of rewinding: As one educated and experienced in both political consulting and salesmanship, I understand the dynamics involved in trying to change course without further damaging your own authotity. Menzingen has to figure out a way to revert to the old SSPX without disturbing those who have backed them all along, while simultaneously assuring the internal resistance (there being no point in worrying about the external resistance) it is rewinding. I suspect this is presently happening, but the definitive proof would be for Menzingen to find a way to eliminate the 6 conditions (e.g., Perhaps it could say that circuмstances have changed again, with the ascension of Francis, and the conditions are no longer prudent?).
Sincerely,
Sean Johnson
Sean,
1) Are you aware of any actions which lead you to believe that the Society is attempting to rewind?
2) I'm disturbed by Bp Fellay's (your?) attitude toward how much concern should be placed on bringing those scandalized by these "mistakes" back into the care of the SSPX. If you make a mistake which leads someone away from the Sacraments, wouldn't that person be your first concern? I don't see how admitting your mistakes would disturb those who supported you all along.
I know that those who have left the Sacraments haven't left the Faith, but the Shepherd and His lost sheep certainly comes to mind.
Hello Mater:
1) Yes, I am aware of some actions which lead me to believe Menzingen is attempting a face-saving rewind.
2) The actions I have in mind squarely contradict the branding campaign, which was designed to foster a public image more appealing to the modern world (and therefore make Rome less reluctant to offer/accept an accord).
3) One such action would be the willingness to attempt funeral rites for the (unjustly) convicted war criminal, Eric Priebke in Albano, Italy. Such a thing would not have been attempted last year (the unfortunate clarification of the Italian District superior notwithstanding).
4) Yet another would be the recent comments of Bishop Fellay against Pope Francis (i.e., calling him an overt modernist, when the branding campaign was supposed to cease fire on Vatican II).
5) The plain statement of Bishop Fellay that a practical agreement would have been disastrous. Yes, he pushed mightily for it! But it would be most difficult for him to switch course again and chase after one, having just made such a statement. That realization causes me to think this is a humble admission of bad judgment, without actually saying so.
6) WHat do you think the practical consequence of these things in Rome will be? If Francis dies tomorrow, do you think the next Pope will not be a little hamstrung by these things?
These would be just a few of the actions that come to mind off the top of my head.
I do not understand your 2nd question; could you please rephrase?
Sincerely,
Sean Johnson