We all, at one time or another, violate, or are perceived to violate, any of the voluminous laws that dictate of daily lives. Some, like speeding, are minor violations. Some are much more serious.
In all these things, in this State and nation and before our Order; one is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. At the same time we all took an oath not to bring discredit upon the Order. That oath includes living a good Catholic life. Discredit, however, in this day of instant news and ‘headline rule,’ can be merely associating our Order with an unproven, alleged act. Remember also that the "press" is usually not an ally, has a profit motive, and general does not support Mother Church in the same way we do. In general it is not a good idea to speak to the press on current events items without careful reflection. This guidance does not apply to advertising our good works and acts.
