A group of Democratic lawmakers in Montana have introduced a bill that would require Catholic priests to disclose confessions related to serious crimes, challenging the church’s long tradition of keeping confessions secret.

Two Democratic senators, Mary Dunwell and Sarah Novak, were among those who introduced the bill. invoice the purpose Forcing a priest to break the seal of the Sacrament of Confession (a fundamental Catholic doctrine) if the confessor admits to criminal activity, especially criminal behavior involving abuse.

The bill proposes that professionals such as doctors, teachers, and law enforcement officers must immediately report to authorities if they suspect a child is being abused or neglected, following specific legal procedures. . These reports can help initiate an investigation and the results can be shared with relevant professionals involved in child welfare.

emergency:
An anti-Catholic bill (SB139) is making its way through the Montana Senate that would force priests to break the confessional seal and discourage people from asking God for forgiveness.

If you live in Montana, please contact us to oppose this bill. Please contact us using the contact information below. #mtpol pic.twitter.com/RwrNIQXkov

— Lukas Schubert (@LukasSchubertMT) January 19, 2025

Under this proposed law, failure to report such confessions could result in the involved clergy being imprisoned, and if passed, given the precedent of protecting religious practices. , may not withstand legal scrutiny. canon law of the catholic church strictly It prohibits priests from revealing anything they have learned from the penitent during confession. This doctrine is based on the belief that during confession, the priest acts not as an individual but as the person of Christ, granting forgiveness to penitents who confess their sins directly to God.

The important role of secrecy in confession allows individuals to admit their sins without fear of being exposed, a practice deeply rooted in historical precedent. saints such as John Nepomsen and Mateo Correa Magallanes They are celebrated for their ultimate sacrifice, choosing death rather than betraying this sacred trust. (Related article: “We Want God:” Catholic Podcast Hits Day One, Tops Charts on Major Platforms)

U.S. case law generally supports the protection of confession seals, even in an 1813 case. ruling The Sessions Court of Common Pleas in New York explicitly recognized the priest’s right to withhold information disclosed in confession, even in court. This position has been reflected in subsequent legal interpretations, often citing the First Amendment’s guarantee of religious freedom.

Republican Montana Rep. Lucas Schubert took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to appeal to individuals to oppose the bill.

An anti-Catholic bill (SB139) is passing the Montana Senate that would force clergy to break the confessional seal and discourage people from asking God for forgiveness. ” Schubert said. I wrote.

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