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| Confessionals at Assumption Grotto |
From blogging canonist, Prof. Ed Peters:
Concerning recent Irish and Australian proposals to require priests who, through their ministry in sacramental confession, learn the identity of child sexual abusers (or of any other malefactors, for that matter), to disclose such information to civil authorities, I have little to say because, well, because there is little to say, canonically, at any rate. Such proposals, even if they become law, will have absolutely no effect on a priest’s obligation to preserve the seal of confession. Absolutely none.
Continue reading: A note on proposals to require priests to violate the seal of confession
We know priests will not violate the seal of Confession. But, I have to ask this question... I can't help it.... Do these foolish politicians honestly think a pedophile is going to step into a confessional if there is a law requiring priests to turn them in?
I'm just askin'
Further reading:
- Irish priests say they will not reveal confession secrets (Irish Central)
- Call to end confessional confidentiality (Sydney Morning Herald)
- Australia: A bill to force priests to break the Seal of Confession (Fr. Z)
- The Irish government vs. the Vatican: opinion roundup (Catholic Culture)
- Why the Irish Government Attacks the Church (Phil Lawler)
- Irish proposal to legislate against the seal of confession will be rejected by the Church (Fr. John Boyle)
- Archbishop Martin sees lingering resistance to action on sexual abuse
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The obedient are not held captive by Holy Mother Church; it is the disobedient who are held captive by the world!
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