My wife and I are watching family fued and the question was name something that one would to confess to a priest. Murder was said by a contestant but I think they are bound by law to report cases like child abuse and murder. Anyone a lawyer or priest? (Sounds like the beginning to a joke)..lol
2007-01-29 06:01:28 · 3 answers · asked by mfasken 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
A priest cannot repeat anything told him as part of a confession.
The Code of Canon Law states: The sacramental seal is inviolable; therefore it is absolutely forbidden for a confessor to betray in any way a penitent in words or in any manner and for any reason.
Violation of the seal of confession results in immediate excommunication of the priest.
With love in Christ.
2007-01-29 17:12:38 · answer #1 · answered by imacatholic2 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The laws relating to the reporting of crimes by clergy vary state by state, but are generally similar.
Basically, if a person seeking forgiveness confesses a crime to a priest, they are protected against that being reported. The primary exception to this is child abuse. In most states, it MUST be reported, even if it is confessed to a member of the clergy.
But murder, while the most serious of crimes, is not covered by most states under that exception and would not have to be reported. Even if it was, the statement by the suspect would not be admissable in court.
2007-01-29 10:40:13 · answer #2 · answered by Oppenheimer 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A priest will not report ANY crinme to the authorities if it is confessed in the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession). It is against the vows that they have taken and divulgence of anything in the confessional is immediate excommunication from the Catholic Church.
This is well known in law enforcement and legal practice and a priest will not be asked to testify in court
2007-01-29 08:36:01 · answer #3 · answered by Sldgman 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋