You have a misunderstanding  of what "independent" means in the world of journalism and intellectual pursuit.  Have you asked the National Catholic Register why it uses "Catholic" even though it is independent of the Vatican?  Why not?

The "Catholic" states whom/what the publication is a) from, b) for, and c) about; it does not describe ownership or imprimatur. The Reporter is of and for a diverse Catholic marketplace.

The Reporter makes us think; it does not demand how we think. The Reporter guides us on our search, to be sure. But the Reporter doesn't call us "sinful," "inauthentic," "nominal," "so-called," "lapsed," "prideful," or "disobedient" if we choose other paths or other conclusions. 

Most of all, I think the Reporter TRUSTS Catholic consciences. It doesn't childishly put quotation marks on "Catholic" when others use it in good faith and in good Faith. 

 "Lord make us mindful of the needs of others; Lord make us needful of the minds of others." A good NCR prayer.