524. What is required by the eighth commandment? (part 2 continuation)
(Comp 524 repetition) The eighth commandment requires respect for the truth accompanied by the
discretion of charity in the field of communication and the imparting of
information, where the personal and common good, the protection of privacy and
the danger of scandal must all be taken into account; in respecting
professional secrets which must be kept, save in exceptional cases for grave
and proportionate reasons; and also in respecting confidences given under the
seal of secrecy.
“In brief”
(CCC 2510) The golden rule
helps one discern, in concrete situations, whether or not it would be
appropriate to reveal the truth to someone who asks for it. (CCC 2511) "The sacramental seal is
inviolable" ( CIC, can. 983 § 1). Professional secrets must be kept.
Confidences prejudicial to another are not to be divulged.
To deepen and
explain
(CCC 2491) Professional
secrets - for example, those of political office holders, soldiers,
physicians, and lawyers - or confidential information given under the seal of
secrecy must be kept, save in exceptional cases where keeping the secret is
bound to cause very grave harm to the one who confided it, to the one who
received it or to a third party, and where the very grave harm can be avoided
only by divulging the truth. Even if not confided under the seal of secrecy,
private information prejudicial to another is not to be divulged without a
grave and proportionate reason.
Reflection
(CCC 2492) Everyone should observe an appropriate reserve
concerning persons' private lives. Those in charge of communications should
maintain a fair balance between the requirements of the common good and respect
for individual rights. Interference by the media in the private lives of
persons engaged in political or public activity is to be condemned to the
extent that it infringes upon their privacy and freedom. [END]
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