457 DISCRETION IN SPEACH

YOUCAT Lesson 457

YOUCAT the catechism for Catholic youth                                            

457  Why does telling the truth require discretion?

Communicating truth must be done prudently within the context of charity.  Often the truth is wielded as a weapon and thus has a destructive rather than a constructive effect.  [2488-2489, 2491]

Pope Francis’ quote: “If someone is gay and he searches for the Lord and has good will, Who am I to judge?” is a profound example of discrete truth spoken by the present head of the Catholic Church in reference to gay priests.  (Reported by Reem Makhoul, Allyssa Kim and Ian Fisher on Jully 29, 2013.  Photo by Luca Zennaro.) ….. 457

When conveying information, we should think of the “three sieves” of Socrates:  Is it true?  Is it kind?  Is it helpful?  Discretion is called for also in dealing with professional secrets.  They should always be kept, except in special cases defined by strict criteria.  Likewise, anyone who publicizes confidential communications that were made under the seal of secrecy commits a sin.  Everything we say must be true, but we need not say everything that is true.

Perjury is reaffirming a false statement, whereby God is intentionally called to witness an untruth.  It is a serious sin.

“Never repeat a rumor before you have verified it.  And if it is true, hold your tongue all the more.”  Selma Lagerlof (1858-1940, Swedish writer)

Discretion (from Latin discernere=distinguish): is the ability to determine what one can say to whom and when.

 [2488-2489, 2491]

IV. RESPECT FOR THE TRUTH

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. --Catechism of the Catholic Church, Second Edition

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. --CCC