Whatever McNeil’s current theological convictions, he had the moral formation of a Catholic school and sacramental preparation. This would have encouraged him at sensitive ages and times in his life to seriously think about the distinctions between sins of omission and sins of commission, between white lies and perjury, between venial and mortal sins, and the relationship between knowledge, intention, and guilt. If he practiced confession, he likely would have received further reminders that certain thoughts and actions over which we might feel guilty are not, in fact, sins at all. That is, it would have given him a sophisticated and supple understanding of duty and conscience, as well as the personal and social need for mercy. All this solid moral and philosophical formation will tend to survive even the erosion or evolution of personal faith.

A communications department has a very different understanding of these matters, informed by the practice of public relations, which has a dim and ungenerous view of human nature and social relations — and tends to view statements of guilt or remorse as political tools meant to shape outcomes rather than as true or false statements about a living soul in relationship to God and the world.

How many young reporters and students from elite schools lack the kind of highly intentional moral formation McNeil had?