Washington Settles Catholic Confession Lawsuit, Protects Religious Freedom
Catholic leaders recently raised concerns about an effort in Washington state to require priests to violate the seal of confession and report suspected child abuse However, the two sides recently reached a settlement in which priests will report abuse only if they learn about it outside of confession.
Last summer, a federal court blocked the state from enforcing the requirement. The settlement makes the injunction permanent and ends the legal dispute. Washington’s law granted confidentiality protections to other professions, including therapists and nurses, where individuals may reveal deeply personal information.
Catholics believe confession is necessary for people in a state of serious sin to encounter God through a priest and repent. The seal of confession ensures Catholics will be comfortable divulging their sins to the priest, because it ensures the information remains confidential. The laws of the Catholic Church require priests to maintain the seal of confession or face excommunication. Washington’s law would have forced priests to choose between potential jail time and excommunication from the church.
This is a victory for religious freedom and for common sense.
“Today’s agreement respects the court’s decision in this case and maintains important protections for children,” Washington Attorney General Nick Brown told the National Review. “It keeps crucial portions of Washington’s mandatory reporting law in place while also preserving the Legislature’s authority to address issues with the law identified by the court.”
The settlement is a major victory for Washington Catholics and advocates for religious liberty.
“Washington was wise to walk away from this draconian law and allow Catholic clergy to continue ministering to the faithful,” said Mark Renzi, president and CEO of the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, one of the legal groups representing Washington’s clergy. “This is a victory for religious freedom and for common sense. Priests should never be forced to make the impossible choice of betraying their sacred vows or going to jail.”
–Dwight Widaman
