Last weekend marked a significant and controversial development in the Catholic Church as Pope Francis removed Bishop Joseph Strickland from his Diocese of Tyler, Texas. The decision followed an “exhaustive inquiry into all aspects of the governance and leadership of the diocese” initiated in June, with the recommendation that the “continuation in office of Bishop Strickland was not feasible.”
Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, overseeing the Diocese of Tyler, released a statement on Saturday, stating that the reasons for Bishop Strickland’s removal were not yet provided. The bishop, known for his orthodox views, declined to resign when invited, prompting Pope Francis to personally remove him from office.
While initial reports hinted at issues related to governance, financial matters, and basic prudence, a conversation between Bishop Strickland and Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, Cardinal Christophe Pierre, on November 9 cited concerns about Strickland’s fraternity with other bishops, failure to implement Vatican restrictions on the pre-1969 Latin Mass, outspoken social media presence, and lack of support for the Synod on Synodality.
Bishop Strickland’s outspoken stance on issues such as abortion, same-sex marriage, and his commitment to traditional Catholic teachings have made him a prominent figure among conservative Catholics. He has criticized policies supporting abortion and same-sex “marriage,” labeling them as part of a “godless agenda.” His refusal to align with the Synod on Synodality and his defense of traditional faith have made him a target of scrutiny within the Church.
Interestingly, the timing of the “apostolic visitation” in June coincided with Bishop Strickland leading a prayer procession in response to the honoring of the anti-Catholic hate group, the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, on the Dodgers’ “Pride Night.” This timing has raised questions about the Vatican’s motives in initiating the inquiry.
The removal of Bishop Strickland has sparked comparisons to the early church father, St. Athanasius of Alexandria, who faced multiple exiles for defending authentic faith against the Arian heresy. Athanasius, like Bishop Strickland, stood firm against theological distortions and attacks on core Christian doctrines. The parallels between the two highlight the tension within the Church between adherence to traditional beliefs and the push for doctrinal reinterpretation.
While some bishops with controversial actions, such as Cardinal Blaise Cupich and Cardinals Wilton Gregory and Joseph W. Tobin, remain untouched, the Vatican’s focus on Bishop Strickland suggests a targeted approach against those upholding orthodox Catholic teachings. The irony lies in the Church’s seeming tolerance of actions contrary to traditional teachings while challenging those who remain faithful to established doctrines.
The removal of Bishop Strickland raises critical questions about the direction of the Catholic Church, emphasizing the ongoing struggle between traditionalism and the push for doctrinal change. As Catholics navigate these challenges, Bishop Strickland’s situation serves as a reminder of the importance of standing resolute in the face of pressures that could compromise the integrity of the faith.
I honestly care not what the catholic church (or any other) stand for, but traditionally the Catholic Church do not like their Bishops or Cardinals to get involved in the country’s politics. It has removed bishops before for been too far left, too far right, financial issues OR as we seem lately sexual predation.
Just because this guy is conservative does not mean the church doctrines are changing in any way…but as maybe they should.
It says the Bishop refusals to align with the Synod on Synodality and his defense of traditional faith have made him a target of scrutiny within the Church. Imagine how many young boy/children would not have been raped during the 40 years of terror if Church leadership would have stood up like this Bishop!
Abortion shouldn’t be a left or right matter. It is instead a good vs evil matter. The Bishop seems to be on the good side.
Maybe the Pope has adopted the Gran Muffties stance… Women are for babies and Children are for sexual gratification?
Regardless of salient issues, which we are still only guessing at, Bishop Strickland stands firm against the betrayal of family, western culture, and Catholic beliefs; against a Pope Francis who is clearly working for the other side. I have been alienated from Catholicism, or to be more specific, from the corruption of the church hierarchy, since 1962 but this has deteriorated incredibly since then.
The world has changed, and so have alliances. Some of the Texas Baptists who I despised decades earlier, are now on the forefront of the war against corruption and democide. Stew Peters and Mike Adams come to mind, but they are not alone. These are now my allies, as is, apparently, Bishop Strickland.
Regardless of how we individually regard good and evil, the NWO self-appointed elites and the WEF, as the temporal representatives of Zionism. have brought former adversaries together by the pure intensity of their evil. So, to Bishop Strickland, “gidday” from an Aussie mate. Welcome to our war.
SIN 0 That’s whats behind all of his actions. I am an Excatholic and is because the church not even 60 years after its formation: Lost its first love and they tried and did for centuries usurp Christ. This pope is demented in my opinion what he allows and gives his blessings too. He is NO Vicar and for sure he is no elder
Where is my comment???
Not sure whats happening today but:
SIN – That’s whats happening & behind all of his actions. I am an ExCatholic and blessed to have found relationship and not a cultic religion. Seriously: Not even 60 years after the Catholic Church’s formation: it “Lost its first love” For centuries they turned themselves into the “Church Saviour along with Mary” , instead of lifting Jesus to the place he should have had in their body. No man is our Father but the earthly one whose sperm was used and our Heavenly Father, which was Yaweh. For centuries they usurped Christ and in my opinion, as I read scripture even if an angel comes preaching another Gospel let him be accursed. This pope is a mere hunk of flesh like we all are and if hes not adhering ti the word ofGod, then he is a fake and an anti Christ for if his goal is to take your eyes of truth what else can he be? I believe the position itself has become a wicked tool and is used for power and not for the Gospel. He is NO Vicar and for sure he is no elder able to preach the world, hes got his own agenda and not Gods.