The Vatican is considering removing Bishop Joseph Strickland from the diocese of Tyler, Texas. Strickland has maintained a critical attitude towards decisions made by Pope Francis, especially regarding doctrine and tradition and his openness to the LGBT movement, even accusing the pope of "undermining the Deposit of Faith." Strickland's participation in protests against the Los Angeles Dodgers' invitation of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence to one of their games resulted in an investigation, called an "apostolic visit," per the Vatican. Cardinal Gehrard Müller, prefect emeritus of the Doctrine of the Faith, came to Strickland's defense, accusing the pope of "harassing and intimidating good bishops."
Please allow me to clarify regarding, “Patrick Coffin has challenged the authenticity of the Pope Francis.” If this is accurate I disagree, I believe Pope Francis is the Pope but it is time for me to say that I reject his program of undermining the Deposit of Faith. Follow Jesus.
— Bishop J. Strickland (@Bishopoftyler) May 13, 2023
A rare 'apostolic visit' in June
Although his relationship with the Vatican has been tense for some time, Strickland's leadership in organizing a march to Dodger Stadium in mid-June protesting the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, a drag group which performs blasphemous acts against the Catholic faith, earned him an unusual "apostolic visit" ordered by the Vatican. Previously, the head of the Tyler, Texas, diocese had already been privately reprimanded by Archbishop Christophe Pierre, the papal nuncio to the United States, for his criticism of Pope Francis and his concern regarding the progressive drift of the Catholic Church.
Information about the pope's intention to ask Strickland for his voluntary resignation emerged in mid-September after a meeting between Pope Francis, Pierre and Archbishop Robert Prevost, prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops. Strickland indicated that he has no information about this possible situation, though he did say that he would not leave his position voluntarily if the Pope requested it, but he would obey if the Vatican ordered him to do so, according to America Magazine.
As a basic principle, I cannot renounce the mandate given to me by Pope Benedict XVI. Of course that mandate can be rescinded by Pope Francis, but I cannot voluntarily abandon the flock of which I have been charged as successor of the apostles.
Pope Francis accused a group of American bishops of being 'reactionaries'
Many suggest that the pope's criticism of the American Church last month was directed especially at Strickland. During a meeting with the Jesuits at WYD in Lisbon, Francis accused a sector of the national bishops of being "reactionary" and of supplanting faith with ideologies.
You have been to the United States and you say that you have experienced a climate of closure. Yes, I believe this climate can be experienced in some situations. But then the true tradition is lost and ideologies are turned in search of support and support of any kind. In other words, ideology supplants faith, belonging to a sector of the Church replaces belonging to the Church. When one leaves doctrine in life to replace it with an ideology, you lose like in war.
This doesn’t sound like the Bride of Christ but instead like an organization merely rooted in this world. I oppose no one who stands with the Truth Jesus Christ has revealed. The opposition, division and schism comes from those who are turning from Jesus. https://t.co/2RZmFc7nuH
— Bishop J. Strickland (@Bishopoftyler) September 11, 2023
Harsh accusations by Cardinal Müller against Pope Francis: 'abuse of power' regarding Strickland
Since rumors began about his possible dismissal, numerous bishops and even cardinals have publicly expressed their support for Strickland. The latest one, Cardinal Müller, prefect emeritus of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, harshly attacked Pope Francis for his attitude towards the American bishop in statements to Kath.net:
It is terrible what is being done to Bishop Strickland, an abuse of office against the divine right of the episcopacy. A bishop can only be deposed by the Pope according to the dictates of justice if he has been guilty of something bad (heresy, schism, apostasy, a crime or totally non-priestly behavior), for example, the pseudo-blessing of people of both sexes or of sex in extramarital relations that offends God and defrauds people of their salvation.
Arbitrary dismissal as bishop of a diocese in which a bishop is appointed by Christ himself as his own shepherd undermines the authority of the Pope, as historically occurred with the unworthy abuse of office under the Avignon papacy. According to Catholic doctrine, the Pope is not at all the Lord of the Church, but only, as representative of Christ for the universal Church, the first servant of his Lord. The Pope does not have the authority of Christ to harass and intimidate good bishops according to the example of Christ, the Good Shepherd.
Many have been prompted to speak out on my behalf. I appreciate the support but I want the focus always to be on Christ alone, not me. I’m not asking for or supporting any press conferences or demonstrations like one being held today in DC, I just want people to follow Christ.
— Bishop J. Strickland (@Bishopoftyler) September 14, 2023
