Sedition

Sedition, strictly understood, is the uprising of part of a people against another; it is also the stir and effort of individuals and groups to make one part of a people rise against another. Sedition is opposed to the unity and peace of a people,which is a special good; hence, sedition is a special sin. It is,therefore, a sin distinct from war, fighting, discord,contention.

In its genus or essential kind, sedition is a mortal sin, for it involves a grievous offense against law and the common good. The leaders of a sedition are the most guilty, and, after them, with a lesser degree of guilt, come the people who are led to the disturbing of the common good.