Vatican has excommunicated followers of Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX),a conservative Catholic sect,after the consecration of four new bishops in Geneva Wednesday. Decree affects six bishops of Society and any lay members who "formally adhere" to its teachings,branding them schismatic and excommunicated.
Vatican clarified not all SSPX members face automatic excommunication. But those regularly attending SSPX services,sharing its doctrinal views,now considered outside Church's communion . SSPX,founded in 1970 in response to Second Vatican Council's reforms,claims about 600,000 adherents worldwide.
Rita Reid,76-year-old SSPX member from Jersey,defiant in face of decree. "Even if they excommunicate us,go ahead,bring it on,it's not going to make one bit of difference," she said. Reflects broader sentiment among SSPX that Vatican strayed from traditional Catholic doctrine .
Society maintains liturgical practices differing significantly from mainstream Church,like Latin Mass and communion where priest places host directly into mouths of kneeling worshippers. Women often cover heads during services,group upholds more conservative social values.
SSPX ceremonies seen by members as more profound than standard Catholic Masses . Reid called them "so weak and wishy-washy." She lamented loss of traditional teachings,especially on moral issues such as premarital sex.
SSPX has notable presence in US and France,26 locations in UK,main center in Wimbledon,South London . Historically,SSPX bishops faced excommunication in 1980s for disobeying Vatican,decision later reversed. But recent reconciliation attempts faltered,Vatican's stance hardened.
Observers expected excommunication of Geneva bishops,but inclusion of lay members in decree surprised many. Marks significant escalation by Vatican to distance itself from SSPX,which now finds itself further from Church's authority .
Excommunication is one of Church's harshest penalties,severing individuals from Catholic life and sacraments. Vatican's decree stated SSPX ministers administer sacraments illicitly,rendering marriages,confessions invalid. SSPX members now face tough choice: stay with group deemed in schism or abandon beliefs to reconnect with Catholic Church.
Despite Vatican's actions,many SSPX followers believe Church deviated from true doctrine,not them. Ongoing tension between SSPX and Vatican exposes a deep rift within Catholic community…
