Catholic Bishops instruct group not to use the word “Catholic” in their name

The New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference have written to the group calling themselves “Catholic Action” and instructed them to cease using the word Catholic in their name immediately.

The bishops do not consider the language used by the group in its communications, and actions the group has taken, to be consistent with the way in which a Catholic group should operate. The group sent communications to MPs and media throughout their campaign against the Marriage Definition Bill.

Canon Law provides for bishops to grant permission for the use of the name Catholic and the ability to remove it.

The bishops have sent a letter to all Members of Parliament informing them that they do not have permission to use the word Catholic in their name and to cease using it. The bishops also assured
Members that they do not condone the way in which the group operates, and that they do not consider it to be a Catholic group.