Youcat commented through CCC – Question n. 296 – Part I.

YOUCAT Question n. 296 - Part I. Can someone be compelled to do something that is against his conscience?

(Youcat answer) No one may be compelled to act against his conscience, provided he acts within the limits of the common good.

A deepening through CCC

(CCC 1780) The dignity of the human person implies and requires uprightness of moral conscience. Conscience includes the perception of the principles of morality (synderesis); their application in the given circumstances by practical discernment of reasons and goods; and finally judgment about concrete acts yet to be performed or already performed. The truth about the moral good, stated in the law of reason, is recognized practically and concretely by the prudent judgment of conscience. We call that man prudent who chooses in conformity with this judgment.   

Reflecting and meditating 

(Youcat comment) Anyone who overlooks the conscience of a person, ignores it and uses coercion, violates that person’s dignity. Practically nothing else makes man more human than the gift of being able personally to distinguish good from evil and to choose between them. This is so even if the decision, seen in an objective light, is wrong. Unless man’s conscience has been incorrectly formed, the inner voice speaks in agreement with what is generally reasonable, just, and good in God’s sight.

(CCC Comment)

(CCC 1782) Man has the right to act in conscience and in freedom so as personally to make moral decisions. "He must not be forced to act contrary to his conscience. Nor must he be prevented from acting according to his conscience, especially in religious matters" (DH 3 § 2).

(This question: Can someone be compelled to do something that is against his conscience? is continued)