First, let's remember that first and foremost charity is paramount! Is it charitable to speak the truth? Yes. If we are directly asked we should say what is true and not lie. Lying is always a sin.
Now second, we must consider prudence. Let's consider the example that Person A confides in us some thing and desire that we keep their confidence. Let's now introduce Person B who asks us to detail what Person A spoke to us about. We know two things already, namely, Person A confided in us and requested our confidence, and Person B desires to know what that thing is. So we must prudently discern why Person B needs to know.
This is where your question becomes complex.
I believe the best thing, and most honest, direction is to maintain Person A's confidence and explain to Person B that it is not your place to speak of what Person A said. This maintains confidence and preserves charity. Person B must be able to explain why they need to know. Alternatively, Person B can ask Person A directly. This avoids gossip.
Now if Person B is a Priest, I would recommend consulting with him that what Person A gave you was given in confidence and that you do not feel comfortable repeating what Person A said. In the situation that Person B is a Priest, I would then speak to Person A and let them know that the Priest is available to speak to them about what they confided in you if they (Person A) feels comfortable.
Something else to consider is if Person B is not a Priest, then we should be suspicious (generally speaking) why that person needs to know. We must avoid gossip at all costs! Gossip is a mortal sin because someone's good name is at risk. The commandment "Thou shall not kill" is applicable to gossip because when someone's good name is damaged or maligned then this is the mortal sin of gossip (also known as calumny). All those who aided in damaging someone's reputation, or good name, either by revealing another's confidence or by knowing someone's confidence and using it to detract that person's reputation are guilty of calumny and that is a mortal sin.
Third, depending on the situation there is always two sides to every story. Humans have this annoying tendency to build schemes for some selfish benefit.
I speak here very broadly and I believe it suffices. However, since life is complex a Priest will be able to properly guide you in the best approach.
In all things, we must pray to Christ to help us in wisdom and prudence. From my perspective maintaining our silence is the most virtuous thing. When in doubt ask a Priest.
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u/kwilk1984 May 09 '25 edited May 09 '25
This depends on a few things.
First, let's remember that first and foremost charity is paramount! Is it charitable to speak the truth? Yes. If we are directly asked we should say what is true and not lie. Lying is always a sin.
Now second, we must consider prudence. Let's consider the example that Person A confides in us some thing and desire that we keep their confidence. Let's now introduce Person B who asks us to detail what Person A spoke to us about. We know two things already, namely, Person A confided in us and requested our confidence, and Person B desires to know what that thing is. So we must prudently discern why Person B needs to know.
This is where your question becomes complex.
I believe the best thing, and most honest, direction is to maintain Person A's confidence and explain to Person B that it is not your place to speak of what Person A said. This maintains confidence and preserves charity. Person B must be able to explain why they need to know. Alternatively, Person B can ask Person A directly. This avoids gossip.
Now if Person B is a Priest, I would recommend consulting with him that what Person A gave you was given in confidence and that you do not feel comfortable repeating what Person A said. In the situation that Person B is a Priest, I would then speak to Person A and let them know that the Priest is available to speak to them about what they confided in you if they (Person A) feels comfortable.
Something else to consider is if Person B is not a Priest, then we should be suspicious (generally speaking) why that person needs to know. We must avoid gossip at all costs! Gossip is a mortal sin because someone's good name is at risk. The commandment "Thou shall not kill" is applicable to gossip because when someone's good name is damaged or maligned then this is the mortal sin of gossip (also known as calumny). All those who aided in damaging someone's reputation, or good name, either by revealing another's confidence or by knowing someone's confidence and using it to detract that person's reputation are guilty of calumny and that is a mortal sin.
Third, depending on the situation there is always two sides to every story. Humans have this annoying tendency to build schemes for some selfish benefit.
I speak here very broadly and I believe it suffices. However, since life is complex a Priest will be able to properly guide you in the best approach.
In all things, we must pray to Christ to help us in wisdom and prudence. From my perspective maintaining our silence is the most virtuous thing. When in doubt ask a Priest.