524. What is required by the eighth commandment? (part 1)
(Comp 524) 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 2488) The right
to the communication of the truth is not unconditional. Everyone must
conform his life to the Gospel precept of fraternal love. This requires us in
concrete situations to judge whether or not it is appropriate to reveal the
truth to someone who asks for it. (CCC 2490) The secret of the sacrament of reconciliation is sacred, and cannot be
violated under any pretext. "The sacramental seal is inviolable;
therefore, it is a crime for a confessor in any way to betray a penitent by
word or in any other manner or for any reason" (CIC, Can. 983 § 1).
Reflection
(CCC 2489) Charity and respect for the truth should dictate
the response to every request for
information or communication. The good and safety of others, respect for
privacy, and the common good are sufficient reasons for being silent about what
ought not be known or for making use of a discreet language. The duty to avoid
scandal often commands strict discretion. No one is bound to reveal the truth
to someone who does not have the right to know it (Cf. Sir 27:16; Prov
25:9-10). [IT CONTINUES]
No comments:
Post a Comment