Using the Word "Catholic"

[ClemtheCatholic]

Hi,

Some friends and I have set up a Google blog to do apologetics work. However, in the title of the blog is the word Catholic. I have heard that it is not allowed (whether that’s legally or ecclesiastically, I’m not sure) to use the word Catholic in the titles of organizations, companies, books, blogs, etc. without first getting permission from somewhere or other. Do you know if this is the case at all? I’d really appreciate some clarification!

Thanks,

Clem

 

[tee_eff_em]

Code of Canon Law:

Can. 216 Since they participate in the mission of the Church, all the Christian faithful have the right to promote or sustain apostolic action even by their own undertakings, according to their own state and condition. Nevertheless, no undertaking is to claim the name Catholic without the consent of competent ecclesiastical authority.

In most cases, the competent authority is the Ordinary.

tee

 

[ClemtheCatholic]

Oh, OK, thanks! So for a blog operating across the U.S. and UK, who should we contact? The competent authority in relation to the one starting up the blog?

 

[Stephen_says]

Hi! I know this is a few weeks old, and I don’t know if you’ve found an answer yet, but the “competent ecclesiastical authority” would be the bishop of the diocese where the “blog” is based out of. So probably your bishop, if you are ‘in charge’ of the blog.

 

[ClemtheCatholic]

That is very kind. Thank you so much!