Which of the following is a right of the lay faithful?

• A. Right to a good reputation and privacy
• B. Right to appoint bishops
• C. Right to determine Church doctrine
• D. Right to suspend priests

Answer: (A)

Lay faithful have fundamental rights within canon law that protect their inherent dignity as members of the Church. A key right is to be treated with respect for their good name and personal privacy; church authorities and others must safeguard their reputation and handle private information with care. This right is explicitly recognized in canon law as part of the rights of the faithful.

The other options reflect powers and authorities reserved to the hierarchy, not to lay people: appointing bishops is a function of church governance, not a lay right; determining doctrine is the responsibility of the Magisterium; suspending priests is a disciplinary action handled by ecclesiastical authority.