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We should be prepared to come to the defense of that priest, rabbi, minister, or layman of the Church, who out of commitment to truth and justice gets into a tight place with his pastor or bishop. It behooves us to stand with that man and help him see his trial through. It is our duty to see to it that his rights of conscience are respected and that no bishop, pastor or other higher body takes that God-given, human right away.

Cesar Chavez#17

JusticeLeadershipFaithRightsSolidarityConscience

About this quote

What does it mean?
Support religious leaders who defend truth and justice even when facing authority within their church.
In plain terms
Stand by clergy who fight for right against their superiors.
What can you take from it?
Protect the conscience rights of those who speak truth to power.

Where it applies

  • church conflicts
  • ethical dilemmas
  • leadership disputes

Putting it to work

  • advocate for clergy
  • support whistleblowers
  • respect conscience

Questions to consider

  • When does duty to truth override duty to hierarchy?
  • How do you support someone being silenced?

Another view

Not all conflicts with authority are based on truth or justice.

More from Cesar Chavez

  1. The growers in Delano have their spiritual problems... we do not deny that. They have every right to have priests and ministers who serve their needs. But we h…

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  2. What do we want the Church to do? We don't ask for more cathedrals. We don't ask for bigger churches of fine gifts. We ask for its presence with us, beside us,…

    Permalink to quote #18
  3. When the strike started in 1965, most of our friends forsook us for a while. They ran - or were just too busy to help. But the California Migrant Ministry held…

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