> From: "OFSTEAD.D.P-" <OFSTEAD.D.P-_at_BALT.PO.020@smtpgty.bwi.wec.com>
> Subject: Church knowledge
> What are the meanings of the different types of messages sent out by
> the Holy See? Is there a reference which explains these?
>
> Ex-cathedra, Teaching, Proclamation, Condemnation
> Proscription, Dogma, Doctrine, Decree, Heresy
>
> It seems that some of these can change and some are absolute. For
> instance, which of these did the Galileo incident fall under? I have
> difficulties with some articles of faith and I am trying to figure out
> whether or not it is possible that the church may change its position
> in the future due to enlightened truth.
>
> A Concerned Catholic,
> Dave Ofstead
Dear Dave,
The information given here is based upon the New Catholic Encyclopedia
article "Documents, papal". Cf. also M.C. Carlen, "Dictionary of
Papal Pronouncements."
Some pronouncements proceed directly from the pope, others from his
authorized representatives in the Congregations and other bodies of
the Roman Curia. Some teach faith and morals; others are for
disciplinary or administrative purposes:
1) the apostolic constitution: the most solemn document, dealing with
most weighty matters of doctrine or discipline;
2) the motu proprio: less solemn, issued by the pope on his own
initiative, to deal with disciplinary matters;
3) pontifical letters: used by the pope acting as teacher and pastor.
When addressed to the entire Church, these are called encyclicals.
They are mostly doctrinal and social in content, authoritative but not
infallible (but an encyclical may include infallible teaching, de
facto);
4) apostolic letters: executive acts of the pope or one of the
congregations.
5) decrees of Roman congregations: these contain precepts or
condemnations, binding all the faithful or only those to whom issued;
6) instructions, rescripts, replies, decisions, resolutions,
sentences: these are instruments of administration;
7) allocutions: oral pronouncements of the Holy Father;
8) added solemnity may be given a document by the use of parchment
instead of paper. If the papal seal affixed to such a parchment is of
red wax, the document is called a brief. If the seal is of lead, the
document is called a bull (from "bulla", a leaden seal).
The terms listed in your message are all to be found in any standard
dictionary. Heresy is treated in the "Cathechism of the Catholic
Church", no. 2089. Infallibility is treated in the same source, nos.
889-892 and 2034-2036. The paperback catechism is widely available
for about eight dollars.
The magazine "Catholic Dossier" devoted its entire July-August, 1995
issue to Galileo. You may be able to order a single copy of this
issue by calling 1-800-651-1531 or by writing to Catholic Dossier,
Subscription Department, P.O. Box 1639, Snohomish, Washington
98291-9915.
Sincerely in Christ,
Father Mateo
-- Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit --
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