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Bishop Will 'Look Into' Holocaust Record

Williamson yield after d

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted Feb 9, 2009 3:33 PM CST
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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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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 7 comments
Shannonals
Feb 11, 2009 2:51 AM CST
The Vatican is worthless, and the Pope is nothing more thasn a figurehead to spread their corrupt ideals. When has the Vatican ever stood up to true evil?
justme
Feb 10, 2009 6:18 AM 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.
PosterNutbag
Feb 10, 2009 3:21 AM CST
The vatican did not take a stand against Hitler back in the day, that is why they would like to pretend that the genocide didn't happen.

Williamson ousted from Argentine seminary
Associated Press

Where will he land?
Reuters

 
Pope Benedict XVI • Catholic Church • Holocaust • excommunication • Auschwitz • anti-Semitism • Society of St. Pius X • Richard Williamson • denial • Leuchter report

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