Remaining in Full Communion with the Church

July 24, 2026

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Grace and peace to you in our Lord Jesus Christ.

The recent declaration of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith concerning the Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX) has prompted many questions among the faithful of our Diocese. Accompanying this issue of the Idaho Catholic Register is an article prepared by our diocesan canonist that explains the Church's decision and its practical implications (article below). Rather than repeat that explanation, I wish to offer a few words as your bishop.

Moments such as these remind us that the Church is always called to safeguard the unity that Christ entrusted to her. When divisions arise, our response should never be one of anger, triumphalism, or discouragement. Rather, we are called to return to the Gospel, allowing the Word of God to shape our hearts and guide our response.

Writing to the Christians at Philippi, St. Paul exhorts them:

“If there is any encouragement in Christ, any solace in love, any participation in the Spirit, any compassion and mercy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, with the same love, united in heart, thinking one thing. Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves, each looking out not for his own interests, but also everyone for those of others. Have among yourselves the same attitude that is also yours in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 2:1-5).

The rupture of communion addressed by the Church's recent declaration is undoubtedly a source of sadness. For decades, the Holy See patiently sought reconciliation with the SSPX. Those efforts reflected the heart of Christ, who always desires to gather His people into unity. The recent declaration makes clear that a rupture of communion has occurred, but it also makes equally clear that the Church’s desire remains reconciliation, healing, and the salvation of souls.

This moment also invites us to reflect on what it means to be Catholic.

The Catholic Church is united not only by the truths we profess or the sacraments we celebrate, but also by our communion with the Successor of Saint Peter and with the bishops who share in his ministry. That visible communion is more than an organizational structure; it is part of Christ's plan for His Church.

Many faithful Catholics have been drawn to the Society of Saint Pius X because of a sincere love for reverent liturgy, sacred music, traditional devotions, and sound preaching. These are treasures that belong to the whole Church, and such desires should never be dismissed or ridiculed. Yet authentic Catholic Tradition is always lived within the communion of the Church. Fidelity to the Church’s Tradition and fidelity to the Church’s unity can never be separated.

For this reason, I ask all the faithful of our Diocese to remain steadfast in full communion with the Catholic Church. If you have been attending an SSPX chapel, I encourage you to return to your parish or another Catholic community that is in full communion with the Church. The priests of our Diocese and I stand ready to welcome you with understanding, charity, and pastoral care.

If members of your family or friends remain involved with the SSPX, continue to love them. Pray for them. Avoid harsh words or arguments. Instead, bear witness through your own fidelity, charity, and joy in living the Catholic faith.

Let us also pray for the priests and faithful of the Society of Saint Pius X who may now be discerning a return to full communion. The Holy See has provided a path of reconciliation because the Church’s deepest desire is not condemnation, but communion.

Entrusting all of you to the maternal care of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, I remain

Faithfully yours in Christ,

Bishop Peter F. Christensen, M.A., D.D.

Roman Catholic Diocese of Boise

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A Time for Clarity and Communion: Understanding the Church’s Declaration Regarding the Society of Saint Pius X

In recent days, our diocesan offices have received many questions about the Holy See’s declaration concerning the Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX). The announcement has understandably prompted questions from Catholics who may have attended an SSPX chapel, have family or friends associated with the Society, or are simply trying to understand what the Church has said.

On July 2, 2026, the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith issued a decree and an accompanying explanatory note declaring that the Society of Saint Pius X has entered into a state of schism following the recent episcopal consecrations carried out without the mandate of the Holy Father. At the same time, the Dicastery published norms to assist priests and lay faithful who desire to return to full communion with the Catholic Church.

While the declaration brings clarity to a difficult situation, it is important to recognize its pastoral purpose. The Church’s desire is not to exclude but to reconcile. As the Dicastery reminds us, “The Church, as a caring mother, will welcome with sincere affection and lively solicitude all those who wish to return to full communion.”

More Than a Question of the Latin Mass

For many people, the SSPX is closely associated with the Traditional Latin Mass. Yet the Church’s concern has never been simply about a particular form of the liturgy.

The Church treasures her liturgical tradition and recognizes that many Catholics have found spiritual nourishment in the Church’s ancient rites, sacred music, and devotional life. These are genuine treasures of our Catholic heritage.

The issue before the Church is something deeper: communion.

To be Catholic means more than sharing the same beliefs or celebrating the same sacraments. It also means remaining in visible communion with the Successor of Saint Peter and with the bishops united with him. This unity is not merely an administrative structure; it is part of Christ’s gift to His Church.

For this reason, the Dicastery has concluded that the Society of Saint Pius X is no longer in full communion with the Catholic Church.

Authentic Catholic Tradition is always lived within the communion of the Church. Fidelity to the Church’s Tradition includes fidelity not only to her doctrine and worship, but also to the visible communion established by Christ through the Apostles and their successors under the leadership of the Successor of Saint Peter. The Church does not ask Catholics to choose between Tradition and communion, because authentic Tradition is always handed on within the communion of the Church. No form of Catholic spirituality or liturgical preference can substitute for that communion.

What Does This Mean for Catholics?

The Holy See’s declaration has practical implications for every Catholic.

Going forward, Catholics should not attend Mass or other liturgical celebrations offered by the Society of Saint Pius X, nor should they seek the sacraments from its clergy. Doing so would place them outside the clear direction now given by the Holy See. Communion with the Church is expressed not only by what we believe, but also by where and with whom we worship. Participating in the sacramental life of the Church means worshipping in communion with the Roman Pontiff and the diocesan bishop.

The Dicastery specifically urges the faithful “to remain firm in communion with the Roman Pontiff, with the Bishops in communion with him and with the whole Church,” and to refrain from participating in the celebrations and activities of the SSPX.

The explanatory note also states that while SSPX clergy unlawfully administer the sacraments, absolutions in the Sacrament of Penance and marriages witnessed by SSPX clergy are invalid. For this reason, Catholics should receive the sacraments only from priests and communities that are in full communion with the Catholic Church.

If you currently attend an SSPX chapel, I encourage you to return to the sacramental life of your parish or another Catholic parish in full communion with the Church this Sunday. Your parish priest will gladly welcome you, answer your questions, and assist you with any concerns about your particular circumstances. The Church desires your full participation in her sacramental life and stands ready to accompany you with pastoral care.

A Word of Hope

Perhaps the most encouraging aspect of the Holy See’s announcement is the care it shows toward those who sincerely desire to remain faithful to Christ. The Dicastery recognizes that not everyone who has attended an SSPX chapel bears the same degree of responsibility. Some faithful were drawn there out of a sincere love for reverent worship, beautiful sacred music, traditional devotions, or faithful preaching. They did not reject the authority of the Holy Father or the teaching of the Church.

For these Catholics, the Holy See does not presume canonical penalties. Rather, they are encouraged simply to return to the sacramental life of a parish or community in full communion with the Church and to refrain from future participation in SSPX chapels.

Others who formally embraced the Society’s positions are likewise welcomed home. The Dicastery has established a process through which they may make a profession of faith and be formally reconciled through their diocesan bishop. Likewise, priests who desire to return have been provided a clear path toward reconciliation and, after a period of probation, a return to ministry within the Church.

These provisions remind us that the Church always seeks the salvation of souls. Even when difficult decisions must be made, her ultimate goal remains healing, reconciliation, and the restoration of communion.

Our Response

Many Catholic families have loved ones who are connected with the SSPX. If that is true for your family, this is not a moment for anger or triumphalism. Rather, it is a time for prayer, patience, and charity. Our prayer should always be that every member of Christ’s Body may once again gather around the one altar of the Lord in full communion with His Church.

If you have attended an SSPX chapel in the past and are unsure about your own situation, do not be afraid to speak with your parish priest. He can answer your questions and, when necessary, seek further guidance from the Diocese. The Church desires to accompany you with understanding and pastoral care.

The Church’s desire is not simply that people leave the Society of Saint Pius X, but that they rediscover the joy and peace of full communion with Christ’s Church, where the fullness of Catholic faith, sacramental life, and ecclesial unity are lived together.

On the night before His Passion, Jesus prayed to the Father “that they may all be one” (John 17:21). That prayer continues to guide the Church today.

The Church’s call today is both clear and compassionate: remain steadfast in communion with the Successor of Peter, pray for reconciliation, and welcome with Christian charity all who desire to come home.

May we pray for the healing of divisions within the Body of Christ, for those discerning a return to full communion, and for all of us, that we may remain steadfast in our faith, united with the Holy Father, our bishop, and the whole Catholic Church. In this way, we bear witness to the unity for which Christ prayed and which remains one of the Church’s greatest gifts to the world.

May Our Lady, Mother of the Church, intercede for all who seek reconciliation. Through her maternal prayers, may she lead us ever more deeply into fidelity to her Son, into communion with His Church, and into the unity of faith and charity for which Christ prayed.

Bryan Taylor, JCL, JD, PhD

Chancellor

Roman Catholic Diocese of Boise

Footnotes:

1. Decree from the DDF:  https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/documents/rc_ddf_doc_20260702_decreto-scomunica-fsspx_it.html