When we see someone sinning, we must repent of our own sins (Mt 7:5), petition God to give life to the sinner (1 Jn 5:16), and warn the person sinning. If we don't do this, we are responsible for the sinner's death (Ez 33:8).

If the person sinning is a Christian, we should warn him in a personal conversation just between the two of us (Mt 18:15). This usually works, especially if we don't tell anyone else, even our spouse, about the sin. If this personal warning doesn't result in repentance, we should meet with the person sinning and two or three witnesses (Mt 18:17). This will usually clear up any misunderstanding and be a stronger call to repentance. If this doesn't work, we should refer the situation to the Church (Mt 18:17). After informing the person sinning, we should refer it to the leader, pastor, bishop, and/or apostolic delegate. Their responsibility is to take it from there. Then we should repent of our sins and petition the Lord to give life to the sinner (see 1 Jn 5:16). "Again I tell you, if two of you join your voices on earth to pray for anything whatever, it shall be granted you by My Father in heaven" (Mt 18:19).

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Robert J. Buschmiller, January 29, 1996

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 5, 1996