Australian bishop protests law requiring priests to break seal of confession

[_Abyssinia]

Canberra, Australia, Jun 9, 2018 / 03:57 am (CNA/EWTN News).- A new law in Australia will require Catholic priests in Canberra to break the seal of confession to report child abusers, drawing adamant opposition from Church officials.
“Priests are bound by a sacred vow to maintain the seal of confession,” said Archbishop Christopher Prowse of Canberra and Goulburn, adding “without that vow, who would be willing to unburden themselves of their sins?”

In a June 6 article for the Canberra Times, Prowse cautioned that “the government threatens religious freedom by appointing itself an expert on religious practices and by attempting to change the sacrament of confession while delivering no improvement in the safety of children.”

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/...ing-priests-to-break-seal-of-confession-23970

 

[Ron_Conte]

Some commentators have misunderstood the law, thinking that it only applies to severe crimes against children, which would be rare and not often confessed. In fact, reportable offenses include any mistreatment or neglect of children by a wide range of persons who work with children. It is entirely possible that multiple priests will face this decision. If they refuse to report, who will know? Investigators could test priests by fake confessions. This law is a nightmare for the Sacrament of Confession.

 

[margaret42]

Moral law tops civil law every time!