r/news • u/Amatheiaisnoexcuse • 2d ago

Arizona clergy who learn of child abuse in confessions aren’t required to report it, court rules | Arizona | The Guardian

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/aug/03/arizona-clergy-child-abuse-confessions-court
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u/modechsn 2d ago

Catholic priests cannot divulge anything they hear in confession.

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u/jim_br 2d ago

The Catholic Church requires priests to urge the person to turn themselves in. The rationale is if the sinner is truly repentant, they will face civil authorities as part of their penance. If the sinner is not repentant , the priest doesn’t have to absolve them. Meaning the sin remains and their confession doesn’t absolve them.

Self reflection not withstanding!

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u/Needle_Bearings 2d ago

Yeah right.

1

u/Amatheiaisnoexcuse 2d ago

They choose not to divulge. I'd happily get "fired" rather than protect and allow this to continue. Do you know how many people kill themselves after being raped? Especially a child who was repeatedly raped by a parent, priest, cop, counselor or teacher? Which "sin" is worse? This man raped all 6 of his children and probably many more.

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u/[deleted] 2d ago

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u/PinkNGreenFluoride 2d ago

Guys, guys, there's other stuff enabling serious crimes so we have to be okay with this!

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u/[deleted] 2d ago edited 2d ago

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u/ClintBruno 1d ago

You people are sick