2007-11-29 17:32:09 · 19 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
In the past, Catholic priests have been sworn to secrecy for confessions. However, in recent times, an alteration was made in cases where someone is being harmed. Then there are allowances for the priest to speak up and turn the person in.
Non-Catholic pastors, however, are not bound by vows of secrecy, but I'm sure many have kept some things to themselves.
2007-11-29 17:36:22 · answer #1 · answered by thezaylady 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A pastor is not the same as a priest. But I have heard that if a person confesses to murder, then they are required by law to report it. I couldn't swear to it though. I don't know if it is true, but I had also heard that so does a psychiatrist.
2007-11-29 17:43:35 · answer #2 · answered by jenx 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. A pastor is sworn never to reveal the confessions of anyone, no matter how evil the crime, because the pastor is sorta of God's representative on earth. God forgives the evil-doer through the pastor if the sinner is sincerely sorry for what he/she has done. The sinner, however, is free to discuss his or her crimes/sins.
2007-11-29 17:37:49 · answer #3 · answered by lordofdragons4_4 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Yes, it is required by law to inform the police of a crime that has been committed. There is no legal shelter for ministers who do not, I believe it is aiding and abetting a crime.
Ath
2007-11-29 17:35:15 · answer #4 · answered by athanasius was right 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes. in fact, they are legally required to. This has been hashed out in the courts, and a priest/pastor does not have the same right of confidentiality as a lawyer.
2007-11-29 17:34:37 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 7⤊ 0⤋
sure! The scripture does say to obey the laws of the land, and it is bad to withold information that could end up solving a case, or helping someone who is in need. Might be another way to get the suspect needed help :)
2007-11-29 17:34:56 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, it is something akin to Doctor/Patient Confidentiality. No one would confess if priests immediately called the cops. The cops can't make a priest tell them anything without a lengthy court process to compel them to do so.
2007-11-29 17:35:48 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
No, the confession is protected under the law. The religious official cannot disclose it. However, he can disclose something to prevent a crime that has not yet been committed.
2007-11-29 17:34:54 · answer #8 · answered by MiaOMya 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Prob yes, but that Pastor might end up getting WHACKED for tellin. People are NUTZ in this world.
2007-11-29 17:35:09 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
a pastor can, since there is no vow of secrecy to anyone, a Catholic priest shouldn't since there is a vow of secrecy.
A pastor actually should, it would be his responsibility as a citizen and his responsibility as a Christian.
2007-11-29 17:42:09 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋