What is being done to Tyler Bishop Strickland, is "terrible" and an "abuse of office against the divine right of the episcopate," writes Cardinal Müller about Strickland's threatened removal (Kath.net, 21 September).
He advises the heroic bishop "under no circumstances" to resign, because "they" [=Francis] could then wash their hands of the matter.
Bishops who have committed heresy, schism, apostasy, a crime or unpriestly behaviour should be deposed, writes Müller. As an example, he cites to the pseudo-blessing of adulterers and homosexuals, which is "offensive to God" and "cheats people of their salvation".
Müller believes that Francis is bullying Catholic bishops simply because false friends denounce good bishops to him as enemies, "while heretical and immoral bishops can do as they please."
Meanwhile, Strickland has reiterated that he would not resign but would accept removal by Francis.
en.news