Catholic Dictionary

Find accurate definitions of over 5,000 Catholic terms and phrases (including abbreviations). Based on Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.

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BRIBERY

The payment or promise to pay something of value to induce another to do as one wishes or prescribes. It generally refers to those pledged to the common good who act for individual profit or for the briber's benefit. The Catholic Church teaches that bribery in any form is immoral. The guilt is equally divided among all active agents, and their culpability varies with circumstances. (Etym. Middle-English bribe; Old French bribe, a piece of bread given to a beggar.)

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