moral authority

is grounded in the feeling within the individual to be simultaneously obliged to submit and the desire to submit.

However, in order to accomplish its aims, morality must be legitimate in the eyes of those to whom it speaks. (wikipedia)

is never retained by any attempt to hold on to it. It comes without seeking and is retained without effort.

Moral authority is never retained by any attempt to hold on to it. It comes without seeking and is retained without effort. (Mahatma Gandhi)

is primarily to be located in religion, which is why in any religion one finds a code of morality.

As Durkheim argues, this moral authority is primarily to be located in religion, which is why in any religion one finds a code of morality. (wikipedia)

moral authority, n.Definitions

moral authority