The Archdiocese of Seattle is taking a stand against a recently passed Washington State law that would force priests to violate the seal of confession.
The law, signed by Democratic Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson on May 2, requires clergymen to be added to the state’s list of mandatory reporters in cases of suspected abuse or neglect of a child, forcing priests to choose between jail time and excommunication. The Archdiocese is warning the move is a violation of the separation between church and state and said Washington State “is specifically targeting religious conduct.”
“While we remain committed to protecting minors and all vulnerable people from abuse, priests cannot comply with this law if the knowledge of abuse is obtained during the Sacrament of Reconciliation,” the Archdiocese said in a press release. “This new law singles out religion and is clearly both government overreach and a double standard. The line between Church and state has been crossed and needs to be walked back.”
Other church leaders in the state have also spoken out against the law. Bishop of Spokane Thomas Daly issued a statement after the law was passed saying clergymen would not follow it and violate the sacrament.
“I want to assure you that your shepherds, bishop and priests, are committed to keeping the seal of confession – even to the point of going to jail,” Daly said. “The Sacrament of Penance is sacred and will remain that way in the Diocese of Spokane.”
Previous state law required law enforcement, teachers, medical professionals or child care providers to report cases of child abuse or neglect, but the amended law now includes church clergy that hear about abuse during the sacrament of confession without exemptions. The penalty for noncompliance with the law includes potential jail time.
Priests that break the seal of confession are automatically excommunicated from the Church, according to Canon Law.
The Catholic Church in recent years has taken steps to increase transparency and make it easier to report instances of abuse within the church, creating a commission to help protect minors and track how churches are addressing reports.
Ferguson’s office did not respond to the Daily Caller News Foundation’s request for comment.
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