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Ana_v
Guest
Observe carefully. The question in the OP was not “can a priest reveal what he heard in Confession”.
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Ana_v
Guest
Since people are absolutely insisting on bringing up the Seal of Confession, eventhough the OP’s subject is not about telling a penitent’s sins to a third party, perhaps the question should be reworded:
With respect to confessors: Does acting upon information obtained in Confession [as per the examples provided in the OP] constitute breaking the Seal of Confession?
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dans0622
Guest
Hello,
Thanks. I am probably on the lower end of education among canon lawyers. I participate in these discussions to try to educate myself and I am continually reminded at how superficial my knowledge is.
For example, I am now going to retract something I said earlier in this thread (in post #16) regarding how the confessor should never use knowledge gained from confession that would be seen as detrimental to the penitent. I thought the prevention of further sin would not be detrimental to a penitent. But, after further reading, I now think that is wrong. As it says in Fr. Roos’ book “The Seal of Confession”, “If the confessor were allowed to use sacramental knowledge to the detriment of the penitent in order to prevent a greater detriment, the result eventually would be an even far greater evil, namely, rendering the sacrament of penance odious.” It’s hard enough as it is to confess sins. So, if it happens that a person thinks that his confession of a sin would result in any sort of personal harm, he would be even less likely to confess and be absolved.
Dan
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dochawk
Guest
For those that have asked, evidence rules and codes in both federal and state courts recognized the confession as “privileged” and not subject to revelation. It may be the only privilege stronger than attorney-client privilege.
hawk, esq.
hawk, esq.
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Elvis_Guy
Guest
Priests can and have…rightly…asked that “Penance” be to reveal (in their own personage) a crime in that it is Biblically a "restitution " a person who does so may face laws of said land…however…as others have stated…the Confessor Priest will not himself do so. (the ball is in their court) example…I will use an extreme to make my point, : A man confesses to homicide the day prior…no sane priest will tell the man his sins are forgiven …say a Pater and 10 Aves! A good priest will say something like:I will pray with and for you. I at this juncture cannot absolve! / Church Law is clear. A priest must honor the seal…but a priest is NOT always under “obligation” to absolve! In my "extreme"example useful for making points even if at surface level seem silly: What priest would or in conscience would absolve this man…and let’s say…he said…Father I killed my wife, she’s under a toolshed since last night! Forgive me…? Nope…no priest would at this point Absolve…
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BcuzISaidSo
Guest
Actually, I don’t know of any priest that wouldn’t absolve a sin, if they felt the penitent were truly sorry. The only exception, I think, are those sins that cannot be absolved without special permission from the bishop (ie, those sins which incur excommunication), and any sin that the priest himself took part in. Ie, if a priest were having an affair, he could not absolve the woman with whom the affair took place.
If what you suggest is true, I can’t think of a single person who would bother to receive the sacrament. It is not meant to only apply to venial sins.
If what you suggest is true, I can’t think of a single person who would bother to receive the sacrament. It is not meant to only apply to venial sins.
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AHapka
Guest
It’s pretty bold to say that out of all the priests in the world you can confidently say that none would absolve?
Seriously, you don’t think someone could find ONE?
And I happen to think it is very possible someone could be repentant the next day. Peter commited a great sin by rejecting the Lord, but then repented immediately thereafter. The Lord didn’t say “nope, too soon.” No, a person can repent at any point the Spirit moves them to.
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Elvis_Guy
Guest
Please! I was using hyperbole! I also for the record am defending : acting as Advocate for Church Law/Priests/The Sacrament (Confession ). Secondly to be absolved in an EXTREME case like the one I used : Manslaughter: To reach a point of receiving Absolution , there are are issues such as Resolution : think: Missing person, already missed a Bridge Game which she attended with clockwork regularity. Oldest daughter is coming home in 2 days from out of state, and… The Mental State of this person. No! I stand by what I said. Your absurd “pretty bold to say they can’t find one…priest to absolve” is just that absurd ! Yes they may “Conffesor Priest Shop” till they “find” one…what’s your point??? An exception ??? Exceptions PROVE a Rule!!! Please use Logic ! If a is a a cannot be …
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manualman
Guest
Interesting read. My favorite 4 priests all hear confessions in a modern adaptation of the old confessional. They don’t see you and you speak with them through the screen.
This thread might just be why. If you don’t know who it is, you can’t be tempted to use the information.
This thread might just be why. If you don’t know who it is, you can’t be tempted to use the information.
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BcuzISaidSo
Guest
True, and I think that is the direction the church is headed in Ireland, where the govt is trying to force priests to turn in anyone who confesses to child molestation.
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JerrySeibert
Guest
Great responses. And no is the answer 
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