Cardinal thinks SSPX reconciliation will take time

KATH.NET - Katholischer Nachrichtendienst

Cologne's Cardinal Joachim Meisner: Although there is speculation a lot of speculation in the media, obviously the talks between the Holy See and the SSPX are not complete.

The Cologne Cardinal Joachim Meisner can conceive of the SSPX in pastoral care in the long term, after a reconciliation has occured. The talks between the Holy See and the SSPX are not yet completed, Meisner said on Monday to the web platform, "www.direktzumkardinal.de". Therefore, he would ask for understanding that he will consider co-operation in the ministry only after successful reintegration . This presupposes that the people responsible bear witness to "the faith in accordance with the teachings of the Church and the Successor of Peter ."

But even if this should succeed, before working together again, a building of confidence is required. Meisner cited the 40-year division of the German government, which also required first of all a long period of reconciliation. "Trust and familiarity grow slowly - and the wounds of a long debate will take time to heal. . If we succeed in everything, I can conceive - as with religious orders- of a good working relationship "

Until then, there is still a long way to go according to the Cardinal.

Cardinal Meisner's response in full:

Dear Mr. Weber

Although there is speculation a lot of speculation in the media, obviously the talks between the Holy See and the SSPX are not complete.. Therefore, I ask for understanding that I - following my experience in life - do not want to take the second step before the first, ie only think about the possibility of cooperation with the SSPX, when a reconciliation actually happens, ie that those in charge testify to the faith in accordance with the teaching of the Church and the Successor of Peter . But even if this should succeed, before working together again, a building of confidence is required. We have in the past in Germany more than twenty years experience after reunification of how long it will take for people to come back together after a long separation. Trust and intimacy grow slowly - and the wounds of a long debate will take time to heal. If we succeed in everything, I can conceive of a good working relationship - as with religious. But however the talks go with the SSPX: There is still a long way to go. Let us pray for all who strive for the unity of the Church - especially for the unity with other Christian communities and churches.