No. If she is not « of the Church », the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul is nonetheless « in the Church ». She maintains a relation of filial respect with the bishops. In particular, the bishop must be consulted for any admittance of a non catholic volunteer in the Society. At all levels, the officials, all lay, keep the Church hierarchy informed about their activities and, if it comes to it, request their advice. One of the merits of the SSVP is to have contributed to develop a « lay apostolate » within the Church.