In a statement circulated on Monday, October 19, the Vicar for Media and Communications, Fr. Mlungisi Mabe, addressed concerns about the official Coat of Arms appearing on parish posters, event advertisements and other promotional materials without permission.
“With immediate effect, no individual, parish, ministry, sodality, association, organisation or institution may use, reproduce, modify or incorporate the Archdiocesan Coat of Arms into any material without proper authorisation,” he said.
Fr. Mabe expressed particular concern about AI-generated posters, which can alter or misrepresent the emblem’s original design.
“The Coat of Arms must never be altered, distorted, redesigned, or manipulated, whether manually or through AI-generated content. Its original appearance and integrity must be maintained at all times,” he said.
He explained that the coat of arms is more than a decorative image, describing it as an official emblem of identity, heritage, authority and belonging. Within the Church, it represents the identity, mission, history and unity of a local Church.
The emblem, he said, is intended to identify and represent the Archdiocese, led by Stephen Cardinal Brislin, in official communications, publications, documents and other authorized materials.
Fr. Mabe urged parishes and other Archdiocesan structures to exercise care when preparing posters, social media graphics, invitations, announcements and other publicity materials. Permission to use the emblem, he emphasized, should not be assumed simply because the material concerns a parish or Church event.
Those seeking to use it must first obtain authorization through the Vicar for Media and Communications, he said.
Fr. Mabe called for cooperation in ensuring the emblem is used appropriately, in recognition of its ecclesiastical significance and official status.