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Questioning Church Representatives who seem to be in error in a matter of faith or morals

APPROACH THE OFFENDER  When someone in a position of authority is apparently in error on a matter of faith or morals you have the right, and sometimes the obligation to correct them, both out of charity for the offender, but also out of charity for others who are mislead by errors.  Souls are at stake!  Know with convidence that you have the right to petition (can. 212) and the right to vindicate (can 221) your rights.

  • First Attempt - Use the Same Medium the offender used

    • For the classroom, or public speaker, approach him personally and bring a friend as a witness.
    For Internet published offense, send an e-mail.  For a printed offence, send a written letter.
  • MAKE YOUR POINT - Succinctly summarize what concerns you.

    • Specify the contrast between Church teaching and the offensive standpoint.
    Quote Church documents and site sources, Catechism, Canon Law, etc.
    Give offender a chance to "save face." He may have made an honest mistake.
    Ask him to publicly correct his error and try to repair any harm done.
  • EVALUATE FIRST REPLY RECEIVED - It's time to approach his superior if you are not satisfied with the reply because of either of these reasons

    • A) the offender continues to hold his position which is in conflict with Church teaching, or
    B) refuses to publicly correct the error and try to repair any harm done.
  • Approach his Superior in Writing - Superiors are accountable to God, the public, the bishop, and often a board of directors for the actions of their employees or volunteers.  When you are dissatisfied with the reply you received from someone, you have the right, and sometimes the obligation to advise his superior.
  • SEND WRITTEN FOLLOW-UP TO OFFENDER - As a courtesy, send a follow-up letter to the offender explaining why you are dissatisfied with his first reply.  At the bottom of this letter indicate cc: (carbon copy) to his superior.
  • IN COVER LETTER TO SUPERIOR, ADVISE HIM OF PROBLEM - Do not convey that you assume the superior agrees with the offender.   You are telling him about the problem you experienced, and you know he is responsible for the person causing your concern.  Deliver letter in person first, and if you receive no reply send another copy certified mail.
  • INCLUDE DESCRIPTION OF CORRESPONDENCE WITH OFFENDER - Summarize conversations and include copies of written correspondence.  Especially include any written correspondence where the offender justifies his position which you believe conflicts with Church teaching.
  • MAKE YOUR POINT - Identify the problem; provide documentation to prove your point; state what you hope could be done to solve the problem.   Ask him to correct the person in error and try to repair any harm done, which may require a public apology. Tell him you look forward to his reply.
  • EVALUATE RECEIVED REPLY - It is time to approach the next level of authority or the bishop if you are not satisfied with the reply because of any of these reasons:

    • A) the superior (boss) also holds the position which is in conflict with Church teaching, or
    B) refuses to correct the error and try to repair any harm done.
    C) refuses to answer you at all
  • Approach the Bishop and Chairmen of Board of Trustees - Bishops have the ultimate authority over any Catholic institution in their diocese. In today's political environment, a good bishop can be better equipped to address problems in his own diocese if he can explain to the offender that he is getting complaint letters.  If you are dissatisfied with the reply you get from a Catholic Institution, you are within your right to advise the Bishop and Chairman of the Board of Trustees if applicable.  You might increase your chances of getting results if you find many people to send letters, even if they send the exact same letter.  Thirty identical letters from thirty different people will attract more attention than your single letter.
  • SEND WRITTEN FOLLOW-UP TO OFFENDER - As a courtesy, send a follow-up letter to the last person from whom you received a dissatisfactory reply, explaining strongly why you are dissatisfied with his reply.  At the bottom of his letter indicate cc: (carbon copy) to the bishop, and possibly the chairmen of the board also.
  • IN COVER LETTER TO BISHOP, ADVISE HIM OF PROBLEM - You do not want to convey that you are telling the bishop what to do.  You want to convey that you believed he should be advised of this.  Use the correct salutation, "Your Eminence" for cardinals, "Your Excellency" for all other bishops.  Example opening paragraph:

    • Your Excellency,
    Please find enclosed a copy of my letter to ______ expressing my concern about ________.   Because of your position of responsibility for the souls in our diocese, I thought you should be aware of this issue and I ask that you do what you can to help remedy the situation.
  • IN COVER LETTER TO CHAIRMEN OF BOARD OF TRUSTEES, ADVISE HIM OF PROBLEM - Board of Trustees must be concerned about reputation and funding.  You want to convey that you believed he should be advised because the Catholic Institution is being harmed. Example opening paragraph:

    • Dear ______,
    Please find enclosed a copy of my letter to ______ expressing my concern about ________.   Because of you position of responsibility for the reputation of ________ as a Catholic Institution, and because you are answerable to financial benefactors, I thought you should be aware of this issue.  I ask that you do what you can to help remedy the situation.
  • INCLUDE DESCRIPTION OF CORRESPONDENCE WITH OFFENDER - Summarize conversations and include copies of written correspondence.  Especially include any written correspondence where any offenders justify their position which you believe conflicts with Church teaching.
  • LOOK FORWARD TO REPLY - Tell the bishop (and chairmen of the board) that you look forward to his reply.

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  • EVALUATE RECEIVED REPLY - If the Bishop's reply is unacceptable and the matter is both serious and effects many souls, you may want to contact the Vatican.  Seek guidance from a trusted advisor or canon lawyer


    • Approach the Vatican

    His Excellency Pietro Sambi 
    Embassy of The Holy See 
    3339 Massachusetts Ave.
    NW Washington, DC 20008

    Diplomatic Represtentation in the United States