Re: Re: reorganisation and destruction of irish catholic churches

@brianq wrote:

Hi Prax,

As regards post 1143 ….I quoted the wrong reference in GIRM. It should have been GIRM 389 where it states that a bishop is to regulate the construction and ordering of churches. It makes no reference to recognitio from the Apostolic See so it would be reasonable to assume that the bishop does not require recognitio on this point.BQ

I think that you are actually referring to no. 387. Yes, it is true that a bishop makes decisions concerning the construction and ordering of churches in the diocese which has been entrusted to his pastoral care. Yes, he does not need the recognitio of the Holy See for every little action that he has to do in his diocese – that would be absurd.

However, he does not automatically have the final say in any decision he makes concerning the construction and ordering of churches in the diocese entrusted to his pastoral care. Should any of the faithful in the diocese be unhappy about any decision the bishop makes with regard to the construction or ordering of a church, then they have the RIGHT to appeal the bishop’s decision before the competent instances of the Holy See which will decide the matter for the bishop.

Anyone with a basic modicum of canon law will confirm that for you.