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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2009
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Bishop Will 'Look Into' Holocaust Record

Williamson yield after d

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(Newser) – Under pressure to recant his Holocaust denial, Bishop Richard Williamson promises to crack open the history books. “Historical evidence is at issue, not emotions," he told Der Spiegel. "And if I find this evidence, I will correct myself. But that will take time." Williamson said his opinions were based on 1980s research—the Leuchter report—that “seemed plausible to me,” but, he is told, "has been scientifically refuted."

“I plan now to look into it,” he said, but “will not travel to Auschwitz.” Williamson also discussed the thaw in relations between the Vatican and his ultra-conservative Society of Saint Pius X, evidenced by the recent reversal of his excommunication. “We are returning to the center," he said. "That's the way it is for us conservatives: we are proved right, as long as we wait long enough.”

A young visitor walks on the railroad tracks at the Nazi death camp of Auschwitz-Birkenau, Poland.
A young visitor walks on the railroad tracks at the Nazi death camp of Auschwitz-Birkenau, Poland.   (AP Photo)
British-born Bishop Richard Williamson.
British-born Bishop Richard Williamson.   (AP Photo)
Bishop Richard Williamson, center, conducting a Mass at an unknown location.
Bishop Richard Williamson, center, conducting a Mass at an unknown location.   (AP Photo)
Pope Benedict XVI.
Pope Benedict XVI.   (AP Photo)
Survivors of Auschwitz-Birkenau light a candle to mark the 64th anniversary of the liberation of the death camp, Jan. 27, 2009.
Survivors of Auschwitz-Birkenau light a candle to mark the 64th anniversary of the liberation of the death camp, Jan. 27, 2009.   (AP Photo)
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St. Paul put it this way: The Jews are beloved for the sake of Our Father, but our enemies for the sake of the gospel. - Bishop Richard Williamson

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7 comments
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banansi
Feb 9, 09 5:27 PM CST
So what if he recants?! Does that suddenly imply that he now believes in the Holocaust as painstakingly documented over the last 60 odd years? It is his business to believe or not to believe, but it can only signal stupidity and / or dishonesty - and is that the sort of person to put in a position of moral leadership?! Reply
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Newser001
Feb 9, 09 5:41 PM CST
I believe the Vatican now has his utmost attention, but doubt he'll recant his posturing - sincerely (he may say one, think another). He's come all this way with his beliefs and he's old enough to know better. It's my belief, an ultra-conservative Catholic, displays little tolerance for Jews, based on his personal beliefs, history, Romans, etc... Furthermore, Argentina contains significant remnants of Nazi Germany, as does all of South America. Reply
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justme
Feb 9, 09 6:18 PM CST
Like so many ultra-anythings, he has boxed himself into a corner where he looks like a fool, perhaps well deserved, no matter what he does. Fortunately, he commands a small following which will only get smaller. Reply
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bacimom
Feb 10, 09 7:41 AM CST
Not if Mel Gibson has his way
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Doctor_Zaius
Feb 9, 09 7:53 PM CST
If people can deny the holocaust while survivors walk the earth with tattoos on their forearms what will happen in 2 or 3 generations. Hell we're still debating supply side economics and the last 8 years have totally discredited that little school of economics. Reply
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