Priests Must Defend Sacred Sacrament of Mercy

If things in Washington State can get any worse, just imagine every Catholic priest put into jail. It won’t be over those who preyed on vulnerable children, though more does need to be done.

Washington State Governor Bob Ferguson passed a controversial bill that coerces priests to break the seal of confession. It adds members of the clergy to the list of mandatory reporters for child abuse.

It specifically states that clergy must report abuse, even if it is learned of during “privileged communication.” All other mandatory reporters, such as nurses and therapists, are exempt from the reporting requirements when the information is obtained during “privileged communication.”

A priest who refuses to report information learned during confession could be sent to jail for up to 364 days and receive a fine of up to $5,000.

“The Catholic Church agrees with the goal of protecting children and preventing child abuse,” the statement added. “The Archdiocese of Seattle remains committed to reporting child sexual abuse, working with victim survivors towards healing, and protecting all minors and vulnerable people.”

However, Archbishop Paul Etienne wrote: “While we remain committed to protecting minors and all vulnerable people from abuse, priests cannot comply with this law if the knowledge of abuse is obtained during the sacrament of reconciliation.”

“Shepherds, bishops and priests” are “committed to keeping the seal of confession – even to the point of going to jail,” Bishop Tom Daly of Spokane said.

“The Sacrament of Penance is sacred and will remain that way in the Diocese of Spokane,” he added.

Indeed, this sacrament of mercy is worthy of defense. The clergy and laity must band together to obey God, not man.