Bishop Johnston responds to SSPX schismatic act

Bishop Johnston has shared his thoughts on the act of a schismatic nature stemming from the episcopal consecration of four presbyters, without pontifical mandate and against the will of the Supreme Pontiff.

Yesterday’s illicit ordinations of four bishops by the Society of St. Pius X without a papal mandate are unfortunate and indeed, a source of grief. The Holy See has subsequently issued a Decree and Explanatory Note regarding the schismatic actions. As a result, I will be preparing guidance to assist our clergy, lay Faithful, and especially any of the lay Faithful who have worshipped locally with the SSPX at St. Vincent de Paul Kansas City.

Despite the fruitful efforts of past decades from the Holy See and our local Church to move towards a fully-restored ecclesial communion, the schism which has occurred will impact those who choose to formally adhere to the Society of St. Pius X. While it is imperative to not abandon future efforts toward full communion and to fervently pray for such, those who wish to maintain communion with the Catholic Church, including valid reception of the sacraments of Matrimony and Penance (Confession), will no longer find that possible within the SSPX. As the Catholic Bishop of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, I am responsible for all the human souls in the 27 counties of northern and western Missouri. In this moment, I wish to reassure the members of the SSPX within this diocese of my pastoral concern as a shepherd with a desire to assist you in this time of crisis.

+Bishop James V. Johnston