Is it important for Children to be safe and for justice to be served?

Nithavela · Jul 9, 2025

RileyG said:
Again, context is everything. But I doubt predators would confess to begin with.

Not when they are certain to get reported.

Nithavela · Jul 9, 2025

Have there been any studies on the question if the practice of confessions lead to a lasting change in behaviour (for good or ill)? Or does it only hold "otherworldly" consequences?

RileyG · Jul 9, 2025

Larniavc said:
It’s only attacking faithful paedophiles by that logic. Is that really what you mean?

No. Do NOT put words in my mouth. I will not stand for personal attacks.

RileyG · Jul 9, 2025

Larniavc said:
What is more important: the safety of a child or the anonymity of a sacrament?

Safety of the child considering most pedophiles won’t report themself anyway. Thats the reality.

RileyG · Jul 9, 2025

Nithavela said:
Have there been any studies on the question if the practice of confessions lead to a lasting change in behaviour (for good or ill)? Or does it only hold "otherworldly" consequences?

I mean, if they aren’t repentant then the sacrament never took place and is invalid to start with.

Nithavela · Jul 9, 2025

RileyG said:
I mean, if they aren’t repentant then the sacrament never took place and is invalid to start with.

That makes sense, but is there any evidence that such a repentance and subsequent change of behaviour is likely?

Larniavc · Jul 9, 2025

RileyG said:
No. Do NOT put words in my mouth. I will not stand for personal attacks.

That was not a personal attack. I did not put words into your mouth. It was a question about your position. Anything that protects people who mean harm to children is wrong; including the confidentiality of confession.

RileyG · Jul 9, 2025

Larniavc said:
That was not a personal attack. I did not put words into your mouth. It was a question about your position. Anything that protects people who mean harm to children is wrong; including the confidentiality of confession.

It’s not confidential. It’s private and cannot be repeated to anyone. I stand by that.

Predators again don’t think they’re doing anything wrong, so they wouldn’t confess anyway. Again.

RileyG · Jul 9, 2025

Nithavela said:
That makes sense, but is there any evidence that such a repentance and subsequent change of behaviour is likely?

It should be, from the Christian perspective.

public hermit · Jul 9, 2025

RileyG said:
It’s not confidential. It’s private and cannot be repeated to anyone. I stand by that.

Predators again don’t think they’re doing anything wrong, so they wouldn’t confess anyway. Again.

In the hypothetical situation in which one does confess it, should it be reported? I think definitely it should.

RDKirk · Jul 9, 2025

RileyG said:
Confessions are anonymous. They don’t know who is confessing if it’s behind a screen. Period.

I think that's the ideal, but in a small parish...really?

Nithavela · Jul 9, 2025

RileyG said:
It should be, from the Christian perspective.

So no evidence then. Thank you.

RileyG · Jul 9, 2025

public hermit said:
In the hypothetical situation in which one does confess it, should it be reported? I think definitely it should.

No. Nothing said in confession should ever be reported to anyone. Thats an attack against the faithful. Period.

Not even under the circumstances of torture or death can a priest break the seal for any reason. That’s how serious they take it.

RileyG · Jul 9, 2025

Nithavela said:
So no evidence then. Thank you.

This is a Christian forum. Just a friendly reminder

RileyG · Jul 9, 2025

RDKirk said:
I think that's the ideal, but in a small parish...really?

So?

Larniavc · Jul 9, 2025

RileyG said:
Predators again don’t think they’re doing anything wrong, so they wouldn’t confess anyway.

Not all of them. They know they are breaking the law even if they think it’s morally okay.

Either they are genuine Christians who want absolution because they know they are wrong doers or they aren’t and won’t go to confession anyway.

RileyG · Jul 9, 2025

Larniavc said:
Not all of them. They know they are breaking the law even if they think it’s morally okay.

Either they are genuine Christians who want absolution because they know they are wrong doers or they aren’t and won’t go to confession anyway.

Can predators be truly repentant? Makes me wonder…..

RileyG · Jul 9, 2025

Larniavc said:
That was not a personal attack. I did not put words into your mouth. It was a question about your position. Anything that protects people who mean harm to children is wrong; including the confidentiality of confession.

My apologies sir, if I came off too harsh. I need to calm down.

Peace

Nithavela · Jul 9, 2025

RileyG said:
This is a Christian forum. Just a friendly reminder

The topic of confession is controversial even between the various denominations of christianity.

I am not questioning the spiritual aspects of the practice. Those lie completely out of my area of expertise. I'm just asking if there is a measurable difference in behaviour between people who confess to a crime (in the sense of catholic confessional) and those who don't. I am truly curious about this, but your evasive answers, as well as invoking the forum religion as an attempt to shut me up, don't lead me to believe that you share that curiosity. Do you believe that even questioning the worldly impact of the practice is sinful?

Larniavc · Jul 10, 2025

RileyG said:
Can predators be truly repentant? Makes me wonder…..

In the same way that a serial rapist ever can I suppose. As having sex is a biological imperative it’s hard to imagine restraining the impulses forever.

Willpower is a finite resource…

Is it important for Children to be safe and for justice to be served?

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