Confidentiality with priest outside the Seal of Confession?

[Ana_v]

If I wish to speak to a priest about sensitive information – that does not regard personal sin, but rather, someone else’s sin (that may be mortal) that directly affects me – for the purpose of seeking counseling, will he guard this information as confidential if I request it, given that it would not be shared in the Sacrament of Confession (it wouldn’t make sense to, as the Sacrament is intended to address one’s own sin)?

 

[ConstantineTG]

You can ask him that he keep it a secret But of course since its not bound by the seal of confession, he may tell it to someone. For example, if there is a legal issue and he needs to notify the police.

 

[Batfink]

It would be exactly the same as telling any other professional outside the confessional. I.E. there is no obligation to keep it confidential, but he should try to unless there is a serious reason to break the confidence, usually described as someone being a threat to themselves or others.

You should make it clear that you would like him to keep it a secret and he, equally, should tell you before revealing the information to anyone else, if possible.

Think of a priest in this position being analogous to a psychiatrist, GP, lawyer etc. He won’t go around gossiping about what you’ve told him but there is not an unbreakable seal of secrecy.

Don’t let it stop you talking to him though! If you need to talk, go ahead.