Washington's governor has signed a bill requiring priests to report child abuse, even if disclosed during confession. The new law removes the previous exemption for information obtained solely through confession, adding clergy to the list of mandatory reporters. Critics argue the law infringes on religious freedom and the sanctity of the confessional. However, supporters emphasize the importance of protecting children and holding abusers accountable. Spokane Bishop Thomas Daly has stated that clergy will not break the seal of confession, even if it means facing legal consequences.
about 1 month ago
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson signed a bill into law requiring priests to report child abuse, even if they learn of it during confession 1 3. The law adds clergy to the list of mandatory reporters in the state 1. It does not include an exemption for information learned during the sacrament of confession 1 3.
The bill explicitly states that clergy do not qualify for a "privileged communication" exemption 1 3. A previous version of the bill in 2023 had offered an exemption for abuse allegations learned solely through confession, but this was removed in the final version 1 3. Governor Ferguson, a Catholic himself, stated he felt this was important legislation 1 3.
Spokane Bishop Thomas Daly stated that clergy in his diocese will not break the seal of confession, even if it means facing jail time 1 3. He emphasized the sacred nature of the Sacrament of Penance and the diocese's commitment to protecting children through its existing policies 1. The diocese maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding child sexual abuse 1 3. Bishop Daly affirmed the importance of religious freedom in America 1 3.
Similar bills have been proposed in other states, including Montana, Delaware, and Vermont 1 3. The Montana bill sought to eliminate clergy exemptions in mandatory reporting of child abuse and neglect 1. The bills in Delaware and Vermont also aimed to require priests to break the seal of confession in abuse cases 1 3. However, none of these bills advanced in their respective legislatures 1 3.
What is the Catholic Church's teaching on the confessional seal?
While I cannot provide legal advice, I can offer information on the Catholic Church's stance on the confidentiality of confession and the reporting of child abuse.
The Catholic Church considers the sacramental seal of confession inviolable . This means that a priest is strictly forbidden from revealing anything learned in the confessional, in any way, for any reason . This extends to interpreters and anyone else who gains knowledge of sins from confession . A confessor is prohibited from using knowledge acquired from confession to the detriment of the penitent, even if there is no danger of revelation . Violation of the sacramental seal incurs a latae sententiae excommunication reserved to the Apostolic See for a confessor who directly violates the seal .
However, the Church is also committed to protecting children and has emphasized the importance of reporting abuse to civil authorities . Pope Francis has stated that the Church will respond with the firmest measures to those who have betrayed their call and abused children . He has also emphasized the need for a continuous and profound conversion to prevent and counter abuses against minors and vulnerable persons . The Church recognizes the duty to report abuses to the competent authorities and to cooperate with them in their prevention and opposition .
The Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith's Vademecum states that even when there is no explicit legal obligation to do so, ecclesiastical authorities should report to civil authorities if it is considered necessary to protect the person involved or other minors from further criminal acts .
These principles may come into conflict when a priest learns of child abuse during confession. The law in Washington state now requires priests to report such abuse, even if learned in the confessional. The Church's teaching on the inviolability of the confessional seal remains unchanged .
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has addressed the issue of clergy sexual abuse of minors and has implemented measures to protect children .