[Claud]

And thus it is proven I'm not a moral theologian. :)

Of course, you all are correct in so far as protecting people and redressing wrong. Whatever is done for the sake of justice and not principally to harm or lower someone's reputation seems morally justified.

It is not clear to me, however, that most of us here on FR calling particular bishops homosexuals, even under the banner of discussing the news, falls under that heading of justice. I know myself I take a rather sick, perverse pleasure in ascribing that sin to some bishops and others I don't particularly care for, which is surely contrary to charity and perhaps mortally so.

So what should the proper reaction be to a story like this? Any thoughts?

[sitetest]

Dear Claud,

"It is not clear to me, however, that most of us here on FR calling particular bishops homosexuals, even under the banner of discussing the news, falls under that heading of justice."

With this, I wholeheartedly agree.

In the past, when this sort of thing has come up, I've suggested to folks that we may be committing sins of rash judgment or detraction in how we're discussing this topic. However, for the most part, that hasn't seemed to resonate with many Catholic posters.



sitetest

[old and tired]

that most of us here on FR calling particular bishops homosexuals, even under the banner of discussing the news, falls under that heading of justice.

You're correct, but I don't really see people doing that.

[Palladin]

Claud, you're a nice guy, but you have a scrupulous conscience.

[Antoninus]

So what should the proper reaction be to a story like this? Any thoughts?

Wait and see. Watch the proceedings with interest. Pray that the truth comes out, whatever it may be. And if/when it does, make sure it doesn't get swept under the rug. It's easy to get carried away by speculation based on hearsay, so we should probably avoid that as much as possible.

Also, pray regularly that the bad bishops either mend their ways or, failing that, are exposed quickly for what they are.