Washington AG & Catholic Church Agree: Clergy Can Keep Confession Secret, Must Report Other Abuse
The Washington State Attorney General's Office and the Catholic Church have reached a significant agreement regarding a new child abuse reporting law. The deal allows clergy to maintain confidentiality during the Sacrament of Confession while still requiring them to report child abuse learned outside of it.
Previously, the state's child abuse reporting statute exempted clergy, along with attorneys, physicians, and marital communications from reporting requirements. However, a new law sought to remove this exemption, causing concern among religious communities.
A federal court had previously blocked the enforcement of this law, which required clergy to report all child abuse they learned about. The court's ruling maintained the seal of confession's confidentiality, preventing priests from being forced to disclose information shared during confession. The AGO filed stipulations to make these injunctions permanent, allowing clergy to report only what they learn outside of confession.
The plaintiffs who sued the state hailed these court orders as a victory for religious liberty, also protecting children. The agreement reached between the AGO and the Catholic Church respects this balance. It ensures that clergy can still protect the confidentiality of the sacrament of confession but must report child abuse learned outside of it, preventing potential fines, jail time, and civil liability for violating the seal of confession.
The agreement between the Washington State Attorney General's Office and the Catholic Church maintains the confidentiality of the Sacrament of Confession while still protecting children from abuse. It strikes a balance between religious liberty and child safety, ensuring that clergy can uphold their sacred duties without compromising their moral and legal obligations to report abuse learned outside of confession.
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