In earlier centuries, lay preachers frequently required episcopal permission; without it, they could be censured. Only the theologically trained and those selected for sound character were allowed to speak for the Faith.
A sensible precaution, you might think – one that might have spared us the recent “Voice of Reason” fiasco, where a prominent young Catholic “influencer” who debated Protestants and atheists ended in disgrace after being embroiled in sexual scandal. Many at the time complained that he had no licence from his bishop.
