North Dakota Bill Would Compel Priests to Violate Confessional Seal

The Pillar ^ | 1/12/21 | Ed Condon

[Joe 6-pack]

"Thinking about it now, it seems to me like this would be requiring someone to break the seal of their own confession."

I certainly can't cite the details of Canon Law, but I don't think the individual doing the confessing is bound by any seal. If it is, I'm in trouble as I've personally apologized to people I've slighted or offended after confessing my sins to a priest.

[Ransomed]

I just searched for ‘requiring a person to turn himself in for absolution.’ I guess they can urge or recommend you to do it voluntarily but can’t make absolution conditional to turning yourself in to the authorities. I guess the logic is it forces someone to divulge their confession and this would in turn discourage people from seeking confession.

FReegards

[trebb]

I’m on the side of the Christians - I believe in Christ more than I believe in mortals who think they can judge a man’s heart as effectively as Jesus can.
I left the Catholic Church because the Church was teaching more about the Church than about Jesus.

[Campion]

If you're really on the side of the Christians, then you should oppose the State persecuting Christians of any variety, whether you agree with their theology or not. I would not support the State getting between you and your clergyman, not for one second.

Of course, if you think the First Amendment was a bad idea, or only applies to people who think like you do, then ...

[trebb]

I guess you and I have different ideas of what persecution is.
But, we’re both evidently secure in our own beliefs and we have stated them to each other so have a good one.