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Views of Bishop Williamson
editLike the SSPX in general, Williamson opposes the changes brought about by the Second Vatican Council, which he sees as liberal, neo-modernist, and destroying the Catholic Church.[1][2][3] Among the changes he decries are informality and simplicity in worship, preferring "beauty and majesty, beautiful music and vestments." Williamson considers the post Vatican II mainstream Catholic Church to be too tolerant of other denominations and religions, viewing Ecumenicalism an error.[4][1] He has critiqued the theological understanding of both the Popes with whom the SSPX has been in conflict, including stating that Pope John Paul II had a "weak grasp of Catholicism".[5][6]
Williamson upholds the SSPX view that they are not schismatic, but keep the "complete faith" and are the genuine Catholics,[3][1][2][7] while the mainstream church is under "the power of Satan".[8][1]
Williamson is viewed as being at the hardline end of the traditionalist spectrum.[9][6][8] He opposes compromise with the Vatican,[10][11] accusing it of deceit.[12] He judges reconciliation between the Society and the current Vatican leadership to be impossible, noting that some SSPX members might refuse to follow the Society even if an agreement were reached.[13][14][11]
Williamson is conservative in areas of gender roles and dress. He opposes the wearing of trousers or shorts by women,[15][16][17] and has urged more manliness in men.[16][17]
Williamson has expressed controversial views about Judaism and the Holocaust. He has endorsed The Protocols of the Elders of Zion,[14][18] has denied the Holocaust,[19][20][21][22] and praised Holocaust denier Ernst Zundel.[19][22][20][23] He states that Jews aim at world dominion,[14][24] and that Jews and Freemasons, whom he also opposes,[8] have contributed to the "changes and corruption" in the Catholic Church.[25][22][20][19] He argues that Jews are the "enemies of Christ", and urges their conversion to Catholicism.[19][23][26] Williamson denies that he is antisemitic,[14] stating that he is following the New Testament, which includes harsh statements about the Jews,[20] and noting that he also attacks other "enemies" of Christ such as Communists and Freemasons.[19][23]
Williamson supports alternative theories regarding the assassination of President Kennedy, and the collapse of the Twin Towers.[17][14][27]
- ^ a b c d Moylan, Martin J. (11 December 1988). "US Seminary of front line in Catholic Doctrine Battle". The Dallas Morning News.
{{cite news}}:|access-date=requires|url=(help) - ^ a b Neuerbourg, Hanns (1 July 1988). "New Traditionalist Bishop Says Fight Just Beginning". The Associated Press.
{{cite news}}:|access-date=requires|url=(help) - ^ a b McAteer, Michael (3 April 1989). "Liberalism destroying church, bishop says". The Toronto Star.
{{cite news}}:|access-date=requires|url=(help) - ^ Wilkins, Emma (19 September 1988). "Bishop attacks Rome 'poison';Bishop Richard Williamson". The Times.
{{cite news}}:|access-date=requires|url=(help) - ^ Owen, Richard (04/21/2003). "Pope woos conservatives expelled for rebellion". Times Online. Retrieved 07/29/2008.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=and|date=(help) - ^ a b Ein Damenbesuch und andere unbekannte Seiten des Papstes
- ^ Stowell, Linda (13 August 1988). "Ousted bishop says pope ruining church". Houston Chronicle.
{{cite news}}:|access-date=requires|url=(help) - ^ a b c McAteer, Michael (15 April 1989). "Maverick bishop confirms Lefebvre's way". The Toronto Star.
{{cite news}}:|access-date=requires|url=(help) - ^ Pope opens talks with Latin Mass renegades
- ^ Lefebvrist bishop says no reconciliation with Rome
- ^ a b "Pope meets head of ultraconservative movement". USA Today. 29 August 2005. Retrieved 2008-08-02.
- ^ Pope opens talks with Latin Mass renegades
- ^ SSPX bishop sees little hope for agreement with Rome
- ^ a b c d e Lefebvrists face crisis as bishop is exposed as 'dangerous' anti-Semite
- ^ Farney, Dennis (23 August 1995). "Paranoia Is Becoming An Article of Faith In a Tiny Kansas Town --- A Split Among Its Catholics Is as Much About Suspicion As It Is About
Doctrine". The Wall Street Journal.
{{cite news}}:|access-date=requires|url=(help); line feed character in|title=at position 137 (help) - ^ a b Papadakis, Mary (14 July 2002). "Catholic right over 'sect'". Sunday Herald Sun.
{{cite news}}:|access-date=requires|url=(help) - ^ a b c "Bishop's homily ranges from Columbus to 'JFK'". The Salt Lake Tribune. 28 March 1992. pp. A12.
{{cite news}}:|access-date=requires|url=(help) - ^ 1 May 2000
- ^ a b c d e Legge, Gordon (April 15, 1989.). "Holocaust stance probed". Calgary Herald.
{{cite news}}:|access-date=requires|url=(help); Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ a b c d McAteer, Michael (14 April 1989). "Chief Canadian bishop denounces clergyman's anti-Jewish comments". The Toronto Star. pp. A11.
{{cite news}}:|access-date=requires|url=(help) - ^ Robert G. Weisbord and Wallace P. Sillanpoa: The Chief Rabbi, the Pope, and the Holocaust (Transaction Publishers 1991 ISBN 0887384161), p. 202
- ^ a b c McAteer, Michael (21 April 1989). "Catholic bishop won't be charged for remarks about Jews, police say". The Toronto Star. pp. A10.
{{cite news}}:|access-date=requires|url=(help) - ^ a b c "The Holocaust: Zeal and ignorance". The Windsor Star. April 20, 1989. pp. A.10.
{{cite news}}:|access-date=requires|url=(help) - ^ 1 February 1991 Letter
- ^ National Catholic Reporter, 30 March 2001, quoting a 3 October 2000 letter by Williamson.
- ^ Robert G. Weisbord and Wallace P. Sillanpoa: The Chief Rabbi, the Pope, and the Holocaust (Transaction Publishers 1991 ISBN 0887384161) p. 194
- ^ Lecture by Williamson