Can priests share secrets that aren't told in confession?

Question

Can they tell other people a secret told to them outside of a confessional, even if they swear they'll keep it a secret? What's the rule?

Answer 1

Legally? No not in this country. Anyone acting as a spiritual advisor has to keep what is told to them secret, unless doing so would be in the commission of a Crime.

As per church doctrine? Yes. Though it would be frowned upon, the confessional is sacred to the Church, not the confessor. The Church would tell you not to do it, lest you lose the trust of your congrigation, but it is not against Church Canon.

Answer 2

If someone tells something in confidence to a priest he would keep it to himself unless a matter outside of the seal of Confession would be harmful to the speaker or to others.

Answer 3

I think if most priests agree to be sworn to secracy they would consider it confessional. regardless of the form, things told to a Priest can be considered at the Priests descretion Confession at his judgement.

Answer 4

the concept of confession to a priest as an intercessory to God is in itself not biblical...confess to God and He is faithful to forgive. if a man takes something in confidence from another and then shares it with others...the man is a liar and a gossip and it doesnt matter whether it be a priest or a plumber...its wrong....

Answer 5

WELL PREIST ARE ASKED NOT TO LIE. PREIST CAN NOT LIE BECAUSE TO LIE IS A SIN. ALTHOUGH THERE ARE SOME LIE HERE AND THERE COMING FROM THEIR MOUTH. BUT TELLING SECRETS THAT WERE MEANT TO BE KEPT IT AND ACT OF BETRAYING SOMEONE. PRIEST MUST KNOW ITS WRONG.

Answer 6

preists can only keep secrets with little boys...thats the rule...shhh...

Answer 7

sure.