In a new statement from Bishop Strickland, His Excellency says the following:
I have said publicly that I cannot resign as Bishop of Tyler because that would be me abandoning the flock that I was given charge of by Pope Benedict XVI. I have also said that I will respect the authority of Pope Francis if he removes me from office as Bishop of Tyler. I love Jesus Christ and the Catholic Church which He established. My only desire is to speak His Truth and live God’s Will to the best of my ability.
This would appear to indicate that His Excellency intends to submit to an unjust, tyrannical order for his resignation from the Dictator Pope. It may also mean that he will refuse a request for his resignation, forcing the Vatican regime to order his removal publicly.
If this is the case, it is important for the faithful to support His Excellency in whatever he decides, if and when the unjust order comes down.
If he submits, he imitates Christ and many saints who have humbly submitted to unjust treatment, and can any one doubt that the good bishop will merit many graces for the faithful in this suffering?
If he refuses to submit, he would manfully resist the Vatican regime of iconoclasm and the faithful would rally around him.
Whatever he does, we need to be ready as the faithful to support him. Because no one can doubt he is a good bishop doing what he can do with God’s help.
