"2477 Respect for the reputation of persons forbids every attitude and word likely to cause them unjust injury. He becomes guilty:I have to re-read these on a regular basis to keep on the right track. It's hard to do where detraction, rash judgment and calumny--- including or especially against Catholic clergy --- are a reflex for many: these habitual,repetitive sins are practically a blood sport in this particular bad neighborhood.
2478 To avoid rash judgment, everyone should be careful to interpret insofar as possible his neighbor's thoughts, words, and deeds in a favorable way:
- of rash judgment who, even tacitly, assumes as true, without sufficient foundation, the moral fault of a neighbor;
- of detraction who, without objectively valid reason, discloses another's faults and failings to persons who did not know them;
- of calumny who, by remarks contrary to the truth, harms the reputation of others and gives occasion for false judgments concerning them.
Every good Christian ought to be more ready to give a favorable interpretation to another's statement than to condemn it. But if he cannot do so, let him ask how the other understands it. And if the latter understands it badly, let the former correct him with love. If that does not suffice, let the Christian try all suitable ways to bring the other to a correct interpretation so that he may be saved.
2479 Detraction and calumny destroy the reputation and honor of one's neighbor. Honor is the social witness given to human dignity, and everyone enjoys a natural right to the honor of his name and reputation and to respect. Thus, detraction and calumny offend against the virtues of justice and charity."
I don’t know if you are including me in making rash judgements on the Pope. I don’t believe I am; at least I don’t mean to be. But he does have me worried, especially with the recent Synod and reassigning Cardinal Burke, among other inconsistencies.
Even John Michael Talbot states that throughout history whether it’s the clergy, bishops, cardinals or even the Pope, there are ‘good ones and some real stinkers’. They all come and go. But Jesus is eternal; He is the High Priest.
I meant to copy you in post 142 btw.