I understand that confession is a sanctity between God and everything in that room is between the confessor, the priest, and God. When it comes to crimes and criminal intent does this remain true?

I know that for doctor/patient, teacher/student, adult/child.. that if they feel that someone's life is in danger or they witness visible signs of abuse that they are required to turn that information into the authorities; with or without the person's consent.

Now for confession, are there any rules or circumstances where it is permitted that the priest "breaks the seal" and is required to go to the authorities? Or it is not permitted whatsoever?

I also wonder if a priest can be treated as an accomplice if he is aware of criminal activity going on and doesn't do anything? Does being "under confession" mean you are clear with the law?

All and every thing that is said to your priest is sacred and is never to be revealed.

The 1953 movie, I confess with Montgomery Clift playing the role of Father Logan, emphasies that fact. The father is accused of murder and though the actual killer has confessed to him of the crime, the father will not disclose the identity of the true killer in order to save his own skin.

12 step programs for addiction have the same creed,"what said in the room stays in the room"

Actually all folks should practice this. To many when they hear something immediately share it with their neighbors. Of course that would apply to pm's and other private messages.

Harvey

I would be surprised if they kept quiet about stuff like murders or even rapes.

I know what you say to a doctor is supposed to be kept quiet, but under the law, they must advise the law if they feel the person is a threat to themself or others. I can't see why it wouldn't be the same for a priest. There are certain sins they can't turn their back on.

(although I'm not certain - I'm not catholic)

Yes, it is supposed to be confidential and they aren't supposed to be able to reveal this information. They are also protected against the Fifth Amendment from being called as a witness in court. According to one of my text's from this past semester, there's also a psychiatrist/psychologist privilege, spouse-spouse privilege, parent-child privilege, and in some states, an accountant-client privilege.

I do all my confessing to God, and last I knew he can keep a secret.

I do all my confessing to God, and last I knew he can keep a secret.
AMEN!!!!!!!

I'm certainly sure if a guy went in and told a priest that he was a pedophile who raped and killed a couple of little boys and got away with it, the priest would be legally obligated to notify the authorities. He would be a danger to society.

I'm certainly sure if a guy went in and told a priest that he was a pedophile who raped and killed a couple of little boys and got away with it, the priest would be legally obligated to notify the authorities. He would be a danger to society.

Actually, no they are not. Anything that is told under confession, no matter the circumstances, is supposed to get out of that room. Realistically, it's up to the individual priests who does what he wants and faces the chance of being excommunicated. Anything that is told not in the confines of confession the priests are mandated to report criminal action.

The more I have been looking into this I found that even when it comes to criminal action the "code of silence" must not be broken. However, I would like to assume that the priest will say that in order to be absolutely forgiven that they must turn themselves over to the proper authorities. That is the extent that the priest has and it is up to the offender to make that decision.


However, today there are many groups fighting to have the "code of silence" thing in confession done away with. This is mainly due to the child sex abuse going on in the Church. The reason for this is because if a fellow priest confesses to a fellow priest about what he has done then nothing is done (as far as the law is concerned) over the sex abuse. The priests are not allowed to report anything and it is in the offender's hands.

Is holding the rule more important than the safety and well being of a child; or any person's life for that matter? That's the main argument.

That's just wrong and sick on every level. The lives of anyone, especially children, should trump everything.

That's just wrong and sick on every level. The lives of anyone, especially children, should trump everything.

I would agree with you on this. The priest has the responsibility himself if he feels that he has to break Canon law and "deal with the Church" if he reveals information leaked from within the confessional.

Civil law has often challenged Canon Law on this point. However, the Church has always upheld Canon Law with the reasoning that the person's soul is more important since it is eternal and the body only transitory. So, even if someone were to suffer injury or death, it's better than losing the soul of the offender.

I'm certainly sure if a guy went in and told a priest that he was a pedophile who raped and killed a couple of little boys and got away with it, the priest would be legally obligated to notify the authorities. He would be a danger to society.

If you ask any priest you will be told you are wrong. The priest cannot disclose what he knows when it has been told in the confession box. He should and will encourage the sinner to cleanse his soul and tell the authorities and to say prayers and beg for forgiveness but he cannot, under any circumstance disclose what is told to him in the confessional.

That is the basis of the confessional box. You may disagree but that is all.

Harvey

Never done the whole confession thing. Looks creepy.:eek:

That's just wrong and sick on every level. The lives of anyone, especially children, should trump everything.
One of the reasons I could never buy into the catholic religion and many catholics have turned their back on the church.

I know someone mentioned the psychiatrist/psychologist privilege, but I know at least here in Canada, that can be broken if the person is considered a danger to themselves or others. Under the law, the doctor has to alert authorities and/or have the person committed for observation until the threat is over.

And I always wondered if someone overheard a confession what would happen. I mean, those little telephone booths to God aren't sound proofed! You get close enough, you can hear what they're saying. The whole idea of confession kinda creeps me out.