The Most Rev. Joseph Osei-Bonsu, Emeritus Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Konongo-Mampong, has said that individuals or groups cannot adopt the term “Catholic” without the consent of competent ecclesiastical authority.
In response to an inquiry by a lay faithful on the implications of Canon 216 regarding the use of the term “Catholic” by individual Catholics or groups, Bishop Osei-Bonsu emphasized that while many individuals may adopt the term out of genuine enthusiasm for their faith, doing so without proper authorization can lead to significant canonical and pastoral implications.
He said, “… it is entirely possible – and indeed not uncommon – for individual Catholics or private Catholic-led media institutions to adopt the name ‘Catholic’ without proper ecclesiastical approval, sometimes unknowingly. Such cases often arise from genuine enthusiasm for the faith and a desire to contribute to the Church’s mission. However, even well-intentioned use of the term without authorization carries significant canonical and pastoral implications.”
Canon 216 states, “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.”
Most Rev. Joseph Osei-Bonsu also said that unauthorized “use risks misleading the faithful, who may assume the initiative is officially endorsed by the Church, and could lead to confusion or scandal if the content or operations of the initiative deviate from authentic Catholic teaching or discipline.”
Referring to an incident from 2011 when the Holy See revoked the Catholic identity of the International Union of the Catholic Press (UCIP), he said, “ the Church retains the authority to withdraw the ‘Catholic’ designation when an organization no longer meets canonical or doctrinal standards.”
In addition, Bishop Osei-Bonsu noted that ecclesiastical approval is not a one-time formality but requires ongoing loyalty and accountability to the Church’s mission.
Most Rev. Joseph Osei-Bonsu stated that individuals or groups may be required to cease using the name “Catholic” if they lack proper approval.
He, however, affirmed that “The competent ecclesiastical authority (typically the local bishop or, for broader initiatives, the Holy See) may first issue a pastoral request for compliance. If necessary, a formal canonical directive can follow, and in cases of persistent refusal, further measures may be taken to prevent misuse of the Church’s name.”
Concluding his response, he encouraged apostolic zeal of the laity but stated that it must “always operate in communion with the Church’s hierarchical structure.”
By: Veronica Sena Amenya
Editor’s Note: The full question and answer would be published.
