Is there a duty to highlight a sin to a friend (Where in the Catehism?)

[eroche]

Intuitively, it seems that if a friend is committing a sin then I should approach him and highlight this to him. And again, intuitively, it seems that failing to do this constitutes a sin for me? If so, is there a Catechism of the Catholic Church reference that specifies the sin of neglecting to instruct?

Another example of this is when a politician does not make an effort to highlight or change his party’s position that he knows to be immoral (e.g in the case of a party’s permissive attitude to abortion for example). Again, what is the CCC reference to a sin of neglecting to influence?

The closest reference that I can find is a scriptural reference (“If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. Mt 18:15”) but I was hoping the CCC would be explicit on this point. Maybe it is, but I just can’t find it.

 

[Scoobyshme]

You might consider the following:

Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC)

1868

Sin is a personal act. Moreover, we have a responsibility for the sins committed by others when we cooperate in them:

• 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.

Also, consider the following:

Nine ways of being an accessory to another’s sin.
1.By Counsel
2.By Command
3.By Consent
4.By Concealment
5.By Defense of Evil Done
6.By Partaking
7.By Provocation
8.By Praise
9.By Silence

So, by your silence, you can sin yourself.

 

[Corki]

Also covered under the Spiritual works of mercy.

2447 The works of mercy are charitable actions by which we come to the aid of our neighbor in his spiritual and bodily necessities.242 Instructing, advising, consoling, comforting are spiritual works of mercy, as are forgiving and bearing wrongs patiently. The corporal works of mercy consist especially in feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and imprisoned, and burying the dead.243 Among all these, giving alms to the poor is one of the chief witnesses to fraternal charity: it is also a work of justice pleasing to God:244

 

[Trishie]

From the Catechism of the Catholic Church

2447 The works of mercy are charitable actions by which we come to the aid of our neighbor in his spiritual and bodily necessities.[241] Instructing, advising, consoling, comforting are spiritual works of mercy, as are forgiving and bearing wrongs patiently.

christusrex.org/www1/CDHN/seventh.html#POOR.

A few bible quotes regarding admonishing the sinner:

1 Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted." Galatians 6:1

" Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. 3 For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear**." **2 Timothy 4:2-3

"So watch yourselves. “If your brother or sistera] sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. 4 Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and
seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.” **Luke 17:3-4 **

17 “ Rebuke your neighbor frankly so you will not share in their guilt." **Leviticus 19:17
NIV
**

 

[Viola_Incognita]

I think that’s called “fraternal correction.” I can only find three references to it in searching the Catechism on the KofC site. kofc.org/un/catechism/index.action

On EWTN a while ago I heard a homily by Fr. Wade Menezes where he talk about it. He said we should do it privately, charitably and rarely. Here is my interpretation of what he said: Privately so as not to shame the person; Charitably because the person may not be aware of their fault; And rarely so that they will listen and so that we aren’t beating them over the head with it.

 

[eroche]

Thanks for all of these replies. Great answers.