Sedition

Sedition, strictly understood, is the uprising of part of apeople against another; it is also the stir and effort ofindividuals and groups to make one part of a people rise againstanother. 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, forit involves a grievous offense against law and the common good. Theleaders of a sedition are the most guilty, and, after them, with alesser degree of guilt, come the people who are led to thedisturbing of the common good.