Public figure/public confession?

[Rogerteder]

If someone is accused of something publicly, and it turns out they are guiltly of that sin do they have an obligation to come out publicly to confess their sins if the sin affects other people.

example: if a priest is accused of sexual misconduct and he is accsused in a public matter does he have an obligation to come out publicly and say he did it and ask forgiveness? Particularly if his accusers are under scrutiny for accussing the perpatrator(let’s say the priest is guilty) thoughts?

 

[valentino]

first of all I’ll just say that we should remember that at judgement we will confess to God and all the nations what are sins our.Do you really think this is going to be less embarrasing than confessing you sin publicly to people here?people are going to know one way or the other.Nothing could be worse than confessing your sins to God face to face.As to a priest who is guilty of say some sex scandal it would have to depend on certain things.He might be misunderstood.(the reasons that caused him to do what he did,the no. of times,ect.) it could be damaging to people who it shouldn.t affect.It might be damaging to the Church and then exagerated in the press.One has to be careful to whom he confesses.The press is out to make money and they will say or do anything if it can reach a large audience.

 

[Kelley_Green]

If someone is accused of something publicly, and it turns out they are guiltly of that sin do they have an obligation to come out publicly to confess their sins if the sin affects other people.

example: if a priest is accused of sexual misconduct and he is accsused in a public matter does he have an obligation to come out publicly and say he did it and ask forgiveness? Particularly if his accusers are under scrutiny for accussing the perpatrator(let’s say the priest is guilty) thoughts?

There’s an odd space between secular law and religious law. I’m unaware of either compelling anyone to do so, however, the standard of common decency I grew up in did make it an unofficial rule of the house so-to-speak far and beyond church law. My grandmother was certain to teach us that the punishment for stealing if we ever did wasn’t just confession in church. It was restitution x3. Once for the offense to the individual, once for the offense to the community (charitable good works), and once for the offense to God (into the poor box). How is it that a psychological tormentor can ever live up to this standard of restitution for such a grievous crime?

I don’t think these individuals gone wayward have any healing or atonement to offer their victims. Not because it isn’t owed, but because they haven’t got it within themselves to give. They’re too ill themselves and any involvement they attempt is more likely going to rub salt in the wounds of the victim.
The Holy See went on behalf of the Church to express regret. I think he’s done what he could do for the individuals, and the work pertinent to his role making administrative policy adjustments is taking place. Healthy changes are coming and please do your best not to judge millions based on a few rogues.

If you can think of a better way to go about managing a nightmare, you should just say it in this thread.

 

[Kelley_Green]

It might be damaging to the Church and then exagerated in the press.One has to be careful to whom he confesses.The press is out to make money and they will say or do anything if it can reach a large audience.

The truth is never damaging to the Church. The press did it’s job. The lies did the damage. Thou shalt not bear false witness is not vague or up for debate.