The recent Washington state law, signed by Governor Bob Ferguson, mandates that clergy report child abuse to authorities, even if disclosed in confessions. This has sparked a significant conflict between the Catholic Church and state law. The Archdiocese of Seattle responded with a strong stance against compliance, declaring that priests cannot break the seal of confession, a foundational aspect of their sacrament. The Department of Justice is investigating the law for potential breaches of religious freedom, with officials arguing it coerces clergy to compromise their faith, while the governor insists on protecting children from abuse.
The Archdiocese of Seattle firmly stated that priests cannot comply with the new Washington law regarding child abuse disclosures obtained during confessions, as it violates the seal of confession.
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon emphasized that the new law forces Catholic priests to violate their religious beliefs, undermining the First Amendment's protection of free exercise of religion.
#catholic-church #washington-state-law #child-abuse-reporting #religious-freedom #seal-of-confession
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