I – Guilt, sorrow, and remorse are natural emotional responses that arise from our biological and cognitive functioning.

II – These emotions exist to signal that our actions may have caused harm or violated our own values.

III – When experienced, guilt, sorrow, and remorse should be examined carefully to determine whether they are justified or the result of misunderstanding, distortion, or disproportion.

IV – When these emotions are justified, the underlying causes should be explored to understand their origin and the consequences of the actions that produced them.

V – When feasible, individuals should seek insight from justified guilt, sorrow, and remorse, using them as opportunities for learning, repair, and growth.

VI – Experiencing, examining, and integrating justified guilt, sorrow, and remorse contributes to personal development and supports the Common Good.

VII – Unjustified guilt, sorrow, and remorse should be recognized as emotional misfires and released rather than indulged, as they do not contribute to understanding or growth.