Or be jailed?

A story on the trail at the moment is, should Priests, clergy, and "volunteers" that perform confession be forced to report Child abuse, rape, murder, and other crimes to the authorities? Typical groups seem to think that no they should not even though health care professionals, police officers and attorneys, mental health professionals, are all whats called a "Mandated reporter" which means if they witness or even hear, from anyone, that a crime has been committed, they are to report it. No matter the circumstances. And there is an entire subcategory of rules concerning crimes toward children when it comes to being a mandated reporter.

Good thing that the law is stepping in for some states, because as far as the populace is concerned, do all the crime you want. Mess up all the kids you want. Just a trot down to your local church and tell your "sins" to god [by way of one of his official justices]. And all your "sins" will be forgiven. No need for any other retribution. And if a child is in confession telling about all the abuse they are suffering? Well they are just a kid and are probably lying. Better ask his parents about it first [the likely abusers] and hold your boss' wrathful judgement until then.

The notion that serial rapists are running to their local confession in between tying their next victim to the bed is absurd.

A concern with mandatory reporting is that it encourages frivolous reports by virtue of broad, over encompassing language. What's "reasonable" to one may not be reasonable to another, and the courts may have a different view entirely. Reporting even particularly dubious suspicions is the easiest way to avoid personal accountability, even if the ramifications to the child of a likely false accusation were to be severe.

yes

supposedly? catholic confessionals was the greatest intel gathering system of its time. some say in part its how the catholic institution became so powerful.
confession of sins is supposed to be directly to God

Priests should not be forced to mandate to disclose anything in confession.

Huge violation of 1st amendment right and sanctity of Catholic religion.

The confession booth is for your sins, not the sins of others.

This post was edited by Stauf on Aug 28 2025 08:24am

As long as its known by the confessor that this is now the law I have no issues with it.

Any loser that thinks confession of being a pedo to some made up being somehow remotely absolves themselves should just go to jail. But leave it to the church to protect these type of people and be a safe haven for them to go voice themselves.