Q: I told my parents that I thought one of my distant cousins might be gay. I have no evidence that is even true. It came from my judgmental and suspicious thoughts. I have no right to assume this. Am I in mortal sin? – D.

Answered by Fr. Edward McIlmail, LC

A: You are asking about what could be one of the most underestimated injustices of our day.

The Catechism in No. 2477 says:

“Respect for the reputation of persons forbids every attitude and word likely to cause them unjust injury. He becomes guilty:

“– 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.”

What you describe sounds could be either rash judgment, detraction or calumny, each of which can be objectively gravely sinful.

The key here is not jumping to conclusions and vocalizing them, least of all to people for whom it is none of their business.

It might be good to clarify things with your parents, and to get to confession.

You rarely will go wrong assuming the best and speaking well of others.