S. D. Wright

Short essay: Is there a schism between traditionalists?
10-min read (inc. footnotes)
ON 14TH DECEMBER 2022 BY S.D. WRIGHT
https://wmreview.co.uk/2022/12/14/schism-sedevacantists-sedeplenists/

It is well known that the peaceful and universal adherence of the Church to a man as pope is a “dogmatic fact,” and constitutes a conclusive proof that he is what he appears to be. This adherence is not a requirement of being a true pope – and its absence does not necessarily prove that a man is illegitimate or doubtful.

[citation of Billot omitted]

It is not credible to claim that Francis et al. have been received in this way, as the proximate rule of faith, by the entire Church. Traditionalists have followed, cited and applauded these claimants when they agree with traditional doctrine – but these claimants have by no means been their proximate rule of faith. This applies also to conservatives, particularly those who almost insert themselves into the equation, by mediating and interpreting Francis’ words.

In simplistic terms, the traditionalist has been compelled by circumstances to adopt, as his proximate rule, what is called the “remote” rule of faith, namely Holy Scripture and Tradition. This is because it is impossible to adhere to Francis et al. as our proximate rule without either losing the faith, or contradicting things which we have a prior obligation to profess.

Restoring a proximate rule of faith is what the 1990 election, the one leading to David Bawden assuming office as Pope Michael, was meant to provide./HGL