Canonical Protections Against Unwarranted Intrusions into the Conscience

Can religious superiors of monks and nuns suggest that they give an accounting of conscience to them? In what manner are superiors allowed to be the spiritual directors of their subjects? Rev. Ms. Therese Ivers, a Consecrated Virgin and canonist, shares her licentiate thesis on the practice of the manifestation of conscience and the pitfalls to be avoided by religious superiors, priests, and others. Ms. Ivers begins first by examining the history of spiritual direction and the practice of the manifestation of conscience throughout the centuries. She then analyses the abuses which happened as a result of untrained men and women dealing with conscience material, and the ways the Church dealt with the problem in its laws. A treatment of what is, and what is not permitted to people who have positions of external authority over others with regard to internal forum material is provided. Lastly, scenarios ranging from psychological evaluations for seminarian applicants to diocesan employee background checks are examined for their potential for abuses of rights of conscience. This book is for all who are thinking about entering the seminary or convent, or who would like employment in the Church. It is also for those in religious life , holy orders, or who are employed in the Church to ensure that their rights are being protected.