[Question:]{.underline} Can I associate with a traditional friend or relative who, having been formerly traditional, has now abandoned Tradition?
[Answer:]{.underline} It is certainly a grave scandal when a long term practicing traditional Catholic becomes Novus Ordo on account of money, ease or convenience, discouragement, lukewarmness or laxity. Clearly we cannot possibly accept this change in their life. The principle, once a Catholic always a Catholic, enshrined in the traditional code of Canon Law, applies just as much to traditional Catholics. A traditional Catholic does not have the right to become a modernist, and must be openly rebuked and opposed if he tries to do so.
Does this mean that we should have nothing to do with such a person, as would seem to be indicated by 2 Jn 10? “If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into the house, or say to him, Welcome. For he who says to him, Welcome, is sharer in his evil works.” and by 2 Cor. 6:14 & 15: “What fellowship has light with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what part has the believer with the unbeliever?” Given the confusion of the present crisis in the Church, it would seem that the presumption should be for the practice of charity, namely that while maintaining our disapproval of a wrong and faithless or liberal lifestyle, we should do all in our power to exert a positive influence of kindness to inspire such a person to pray. This will barely be possible if the apostate from Tradition is a person in authority, but might be quite feasible if it concerns an inferior over whom we have authority, such as a son or younger person. The decision as to whether or not to maintain some degree of association is a decision of prudence that will depend upon all these circumstances, and especially upon our own strength of Faith and conviction.
Answered by Father Peter Scott, SSPX.