SSPX seeks amendments to Doctrinal Preamble, Bishop Fellay discloses
November 29, 2011
The head of the Society of St. Pius X has confirmed that the traditionalist group will not accept the "Doctrinal Preamble" offered by the Vatican, and will seek modifications in the document.
Bishop Bernard Fellay said that the Doctrinal Preamble, which has not been made public, was the basis for further negotiations between the SSPX and the Vatican. He pointed out that the document was sent to the SSPX along with a note that "foresees the possibility of making clarifications."
The SSPX will reply by suggesting some clarifications, Bishop Fellay said. "The proposal that I will make in the next few days to the Roman authorities, and their response in turn will enable us to evaluate our remaining options," he said. Bishop Fellay said that it was appropriate to delay publication of the Doctrinal Preamble, because it is the subject of delicate negotiations. Once those negotiations are concluded, he said—whatever the result—the document will be made public.
The SSPX leader seemed to indicate that the remaining point of contention is the authority of the Second Vatican Council. He noted that the Doctrinal Preamble allows for "legitimate discussion" on some conciliar statements. "What is the extent of this leeway?" he asked.
The Doctrinal Preamble, Bishop Fellay explained, is intended to serve of the preamble to a canonical document that would regularize the status of the SSPX. If the traditionalist group fails to reach an agreement with the Vatican on the document, that path toward reconciliation would be closed.
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