Absolutely not under any circumstances, nor can any court or legislative body compel the priest to break the seal. The priest is forbidden to disclose anything said in the confessional under penalty of excommunication. Priests can counsel the penitent, and try to convince him to go to the police himself.
Can confession to a priest be used as evidence?
Any confession given to a member of the clergy cannot be used as evidence in a court of law. Priest-penitent-privilege exempts pastors from having to testify in court. This can be challenged in court and some states are changing their laws in response to clergy child-abuse cases.
Can a priest be forced to testify in court?
The Clergy member could not testify if they wanted to. This is a general question, so general answer. There are two broad types of “privileges” in the American legal system: evidentiary privileges which protect information and a second, less common type, generally referred to as “testimonial” privileges.
Is Catholic confession protected by law?
In particular, Catholics, Lutherans and Anglicans, among adherents of other Christian denominations, confess their sins to priests, who are unconditionally forbidden by Church canon law from making any disclosure, a position supported by the law of many countries, although in conflict with civil (secular) law in some …
What if someone confesses a crime to a priest?
The Catholic Church has traditionally taught that the seal of confession is absolutely inviolable under all circumstances. Breaking it for any reason is a grave sin punishable by excommunication. … Priests will, we know, suffer punishment, even martyrdom, rather than break the seal of confession.”
What is a priest greatest privilege?
a priest’s greatest privilege is to. must be ordained by a bishop. all deacons. celebrates Mass with the new priests. after the bishop gives each new priest a paten and chalice, the bishop.
Can a priest refuse to give absolution?
“You can refuse to give the absolution if the person doesn’t show they’re genuine in wanting to reform,” Bishop O’Kelly said. … “If you’re not doing this, a priest might say, ‘You don’t have the necessary qualities to get the absolution; come back when you are'”.
Can you tell a priest you killed someone?
Under Roman Catholic law, it is forbidden for a priest to disclose information — under any circumstances — obtained in the form of religious confession. … If a priest breaks what’s called “the sacred seal of confession,” he will be subject to excommunication from the church.
Can you talk to a priest about anything?
Any person is free to approach a priest to talk, discuss life issues, etc with “conversion” being absolutely NO precondition. But realise… while most priests have some background in psychology, counseling, marriage and family issues, we are not psychologists nor marriage counselors nor therapists.
Why do Protestants not go to confession?
Protestants reject that idea because Jesus is Himself the great high priest and He needs no middle man. Needing to confess your sins to a priest is only a Catholic belief. Protestants reject that idea because Jesus is Himself the great high priest and He needs no middle man. But being sorry isn’t enough to be forgiven.
Can a priest break confidentiality?
In the Code of Canon Law laid out by the Vatican Church, Canon 983.1 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.”