Is "Apostolic See" feminine

[TheAdvocate]

I am placing this post in the Scriptures thread because there is no sub-forum for ecclesiology. So here goes: I am proofreading a doctoral thesis of a friend (a priest whose English is very good, but needs just a bit of polishing) and he has a sentence that says:

“The Roman Apostolic See had desired that any such nomination must first be approved by her.”

Now, we all know that “Church” is feminine as she is the body of Christ. The Latin word “sedes” (=see) is feminine, but this is English, not Latin.

The bottom line: is “Apostolic See” feminine?

 

[Julia_Mae]

I am placing this post in the Scriptures thread because there is no sub-forum for ecclesiology. So here goes: I am proofreading a doctoral thesis of a friend (a priest whose English is very good, but needs just a bit of polishing) and he has a sentence that says:

“The Roman Apostolic See had desired that any such nomination must first be approved by her.”

Now, we all know that “Church” is feminine as she is the body of Christ. The Latin word “sedes” (=see) is feminine, but this is English, not Latin.

The bottom line: is “Apostolic See” feminine?

Just change the line: “The Roman Apostolic See desired to first approve any such nomination.” ** Or: “… wished to approve any such nomination beforehand.”** We give gender to very few nouns in English, unlike most romance languages and it’s incorrect unless dealing with things we specifically give gender to, like ships.

 

[Mintaka]

It’s okay to use “her” in this sense. It’s a bit eccentric/Victorian in style, but a little style is something that most academic papers sorely need, as entertainment for reader as well as writer.

Of course, the wise student should ascertain whether one’s professor feels that way, or whether he is a dry stick in the mud offended by any touch of wit. But this is a matter of tactical rhetoric rather than grammatical fitness.

 

[Joe_5859]

I am placing this post in the Scriptures thread because there is no sub-forum for ecclesiology. So here goes: I am proofreading a doctoral thesis of a friend (a priest whose English is very good, but needs just a bit of polishing) and he has a sentence that says:

“The Roman Apostolic See had desired that any such nomination must first be approved by her.”

Now, we all know that “Church” is feminine as she is the body of Christ. The Latin word “sedes” (=see) is feminine, but this is English, not Latin.

The bottom line: is “Apostolic See” feminine?

The Church is feminine because She is the Bride of Christ.

That’s an interesting question. I don’t recall ever seeing a gender pronoun used with reference to the Apostolic See, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s incorrect.

If I were proofreading it, I would probably just put a question mark by it and put it back on the writer as to whether he wants to stick with it or try rewording it. Sometimes it’s hard to apply strict grammar rules to theology papers.

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

“The Roman Apostolic See had desired that any such nomination must first be approved by her.”

The sentence is awkward and should be reworded. Perhaps: The Roman Apostolic See desired to first approve any such nomination.

 

[TimothyH]

The Church is feminine because She is the Bride of Christ.

And Mary is a type of the Church.

The Church makes Christ present in the world just as Mary made Christ present in the world.

-Tim-

 

[TheAdvocate]

Thanks to all for your feedback so far!