The role of the Conference of Bishops in apostolic activities according to pastoral letters

Abstract

In the canon law studies, the Conferences of Bishops are mentioned among the sources of the canon law. Bishops have been and are substantially aware of their role in the diocese. The Conference of Bishops is a new, post-conciliar authority in the structure of the universal Church. Pastoral letters are one of the forms of apostolic activity of the Conference of Bishops. The primary source of these letters is the Revelation contained in the Bible and Tradition, as well as natural law. Proclaiming the Gospel is the primary task of bishops. They are the first preachers in their dioceses. They perform munus docendi individually in connection with the pope or collectively, e.g. during the Conference of Bishops. By jointly announcing the Catholic truth concerning the faith and morals, bishops gathered at the Conference preach to the People about God more effectively. The purpose of this study is to signal the significant role of this authority in the apostolic actions through bishops’ activity regarding preaching via pastoral letters. The Conferences of Bishops fulfil their tasks using various forms and methods of apostolate corresponding to the current situation of local particular Churches. Thus, the scope of analysis is not the competences of the Conference of Bishops regarding munus docendi from a legal perspective but those competences relating to pastoral preaching. Therefore, the role of a bishop in a diocese as the inspirer and person responsible for apostolic activity will be discussed first, followed by a description of the institution of the Conference of Bishops as a collective body responsible for the effective and authentic announcing the faith and morals. The conclusion will be an attempt to define the essence of pastoral letters.