Would a court respect the Seal of the Confessional should a priest or bishop have to appear in a criminal trial?

[SwissGuard25]

The Church has said its not contingent to make “turning oneself in” as a condition for absolution. But I wouldn’t be surprised if some priests thinks he they can do that.

I know. What I am saying is that the Priest would highly recommend to turn oneself in to the Authorities and take responsibility for one’s actions.

Take Care and
God Bless.

 

[TimothyH]

***Although Gonzalez desperately wanted McCaffrey freed, "I don’t think she felt that it was going to go beyond that confession. She just happened to pick a priest who said, ‘Oh, no, no, no . . .’ "

The priest, the Rev. Go Read the Article Yourself**, made it clear to her that her obligation didn’t end with admitting the lie.

He told her she had to do everything in her power to get McCaffrey out, said sources familiar with the case.

"The priest said, ‘The only way you can make this right is to get a lawyer and get this man out of jail,’ " said Gonzalez’s lawyer, Paul Callan.*

I can’t find the original article. This is a reprint on someone’s blog.

-Tim-

 

[michelleds]

A good overview of this topic from the Church’s point of view, which pretty much makes the OP’s question moot–regardless of what a court of law would attempt, the seal is inviolable.

catholiceducation.org/articles/religion/re0059.html

 

[thistle]

A priest cannot compel a penitent to turn themselves in to the authorities as a penance.

 

[CatholicFireman]

A little off subject, but…

This thread reminds me of the Hitchcock movie, “I Confession”. A very good movie IMO.

 

[Rascalking]

A little off subject, but…

This thread reminds me of the Hitchcock movie, “I Confession”. A very good movie IMO.

It’s Hitchcock. The words “very good movie” need not to be said~they’re all outstanding!

 

[centurionguard]

Seriously? I never knew that…

Actually a priest can withhold Absolution from any penitents sins if he believes there isn’t sufficient sorry or genuine intention to abstain from such sins in the future.

Though rarely venial sins unless habitually serious, the priest may and can withhold absolution from any Catholic without repercussions from the Bishop he serves under.

 

[thistle]

Actually a priest can withhold Absolution from any penitents sins if he believes there isn’t sufficient sorry or genuine intention to abstain from such sins in the future.

Though rarely venial sins unless habitually serious, the priest may and can withhold absolution from any Catholic without repercussions from the Bishop he serves under.

By definition, no matter how habitual, venial sins are not serious.
They do not even have to be confessed. Absolution cannot be withheld for venial sins.