Nothing in the bible says you need to go through a middle man. Just go straight to the head honcho. He’s listening.
Ok Jesus
One need not agree with any or all aspects of Roman Catholic theology, to recognize their right to exercise their religion free of interference by the State.
Certainly would solve the problem. A priest should never, ever keep a secret when it involves an innocent child. Nor anyone for that matter. Disturbing. More like harboring criminals, IMO.
Really? According to my Bible, in the Book of John 20:22-23, it clearly states:
"And when he had said this, he breathed on [them], and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; [and] whose soever [sins] ye retain, they are retained."
The text even makes clear how Confession is to be conducted. Christ's representative, the priest, must decide whether to forgive or retain. Therefore, the penitent must confess each and every serious sin, that is anything which separates him from Christ. If the priest judges he is truly sorry, He must absolve since Christ's Passion merited forgiveness for every repentant sinner. Only if the person shows no willingness to give up sin does the priest retain, that is withhold absolution, as we "do not give what is holy to dogs" (Mt 7:6).
In one form or another the Sacrament of Penance has been in continuous practice in the Church. Its existence in all the Churches of the First Millenium, even those separated from Rome, shows its apostolicity.
The sanctity of confession is understood and upheld for every Christian denomination. You may recall the OJ incident with Rosie Grier, who is an ordained minister.
You must be a Master of Non-Sequitur.
John 20:21-23.
“Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.’ And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.’ “