Expert: J.M.J. West - 3/13/2009

Question
Hello,
 My sister just rec'd a disturbing call from her daughter who with her husband and children belong to the Society of St. Pius X.  My Niece just told my sister that she was a bad parent, did not raise them correctly and her family is cutting off relations with the rest of our family since we do not belong to the Society of St Pius X.  My niece was brought up Catholic as we all were but when she got married and joined this Society they have been judgmental and now cruel.  She was quoting scripture to my sister as if what she was doing is Biblical!  We are only allowed to write them letters now.  I would like to address this because I believe the devil is a liar and comes to steal, kill and destroy.  I believe she is working for the wrong god.  My God does not approve of dishonoring thy Father and Mother.  Jesus himself hung out with the worst kind of sinners.  How would you like to help me address this situation?

Answer
The Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) is an odd movement, having gone schismatic over primarily liturgical issues.  In some circles, "radical traditionalism" can breed a rather cult-ish mentality.  That said, they do have the right to raise their family as they see fit, disturbing as the choices they are making may be.

Your best bet is to get better informed about the SSPX movement and it's various critics.

http://www.catholic.com/thisrock/2003/0304fea2.asp
http://www.catholic.com/thisrock/2003/0301fea2.asp (under "Yes, Virginia, there are bad groups")
http://www.catholic.com/thisrock/2006/0602fea5.asp (under "Holier Than Thou")
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Society_of_St._Pius_X#The_Holy_See.27s_view

Hopefully that's helpful.

Pax Christi,

-J.M.J. West