The Practical Parson

 Recently, the Society of Saint Pius X has garnered international attention and criticism, for seemingly going against the Roman Catholic church in consecrating 4 new bishops to serve their numerous parishes, schools, and other institutions.  The Vatican announced that the entire society was now excommunicated; and publicly charged/ accused the SSPX of an act of Schism.  Now anyone who is connected with one of the historical churches understands and agrees that Schism is something that should be avoided at all costs, as it is a division within the b body of the faithful; something which should always be avoided when  possible.  However, when Schism occurs, the blame game begins; and often it is not who is "in the right", but rather who is LOUDEST that gets to accuse the other of the crime.  I would argue that, far from being the Mother church of Unity, Rome itself is the creator of Schism and division in much of church history.  Now this should not be ...

 This week the Society of Saint Pius X consecrated 4 new bishops for their movement; to ensure that the work they carry out will be able to continue for the foreseeable future.  In response, today the Vatican has announced that not only are the clergy who participated in the consecrations excommunicated, but likewise all the lay faithful who the SSPX ministers to as well.  In the decree of excommunication, Cardinal Victor Fernandez of the "dicastery for the doctrine of the Faith" declared the SSPX and all its adherents to be in schism.   While Schism is indeed a major problem in the church and something to be avoided at all costs if indeed possible; there have been times throughout the history of the faith when schism has occurred, and have changed the church itself- sometimes for better and sometimes for worse.  The great schism between East and West when the Popes of Rome attempted to exert undue authority over the Byzantine church of the East, the Wester...