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Q. 1. Can a person be held accountable before God for the sins of another person?Return to Table of Contents
A. Yes. While "sin is a personal act, we have a responsibility for the sins committed by others when we cooperate in them." (Catechism of the Catholic Church # 1868)
Q. 2. In which ways can a person be held accountable for the sins of another person?Return to Table of Contents
A. A person is held accountable for the sins of another in the following ways:
- by participating directly and voluntarily in them;
- by ordering, advising, praising, or approving them;
- by not disclosing or not hindering them when we have an obligation to do so;
- by protecting evil-doers. (C.C.C. # 1868)
Q. 3. I heard that there were nine ways in which a person can be an accessory to another's sin?
A. Under the old teachings of the Catholic Church, the faithful were asked to memorize the nine ways of being an accessory to another person's sins. The following consist of the old teaching:
(1) By counsel;
(2) By command;
(3) By consent;
(4) By provocation;
(5) By praise or flattery;
(6) By concealment;
(7) By partaking;
(8) By silence;
(9) By defense of the ill done.
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