Confessing crimes...

[Gwendolyn]

If someone confesses a crime to a priest within the Sacrament of Reconciliation, is he permitted to break the seal to speak to the police? Is he obligated to report the crime, or can he only urge the person confessing to him to turn themselves in? What happens if the person doesn't want to, and goes on to commit further crimes? Which is greater for the priest in that situation: to turn the criminal in and prevent further people from being hurt, or to protect the confidentiality of confession which enables a repeat criminal to continue harming others and breaking the law? Because in that case, the person is abusing the Sacrament...

Just wondering.

 

[ShannonMcCatholic]

Nope, can't tell. Haven't you ever seen I, Confess??

A priest who breaks the seal of confession , if I am not mistaken, is under canonical penalty and is stripped of his ecclesiastical authority.

 

[Lady Bug]

believe it or not, I've heard that the priest can't even disclose CRIMES. They're bound by the seal of confession and even have to risk jail for this. I think I saw this in Catholicism for Dummies.

(why, did you rob a bank? ----->>just kidding, sorry I'm just messing with you)

 

[Gwendolyn]

I'm not sure how I feel about that... especially if the person is unrepentant and is using confession as a "get out of jail free" card and not actually seek forgiveness and reform themselves.

But then I guess that means the priest should just pray ardently that God will intervene somehow and bring the person to justice.

I really do believe that God would intervene. But I just get so upset when I think of other hypothetical lives that could be ruined by the unrepentant criminal.

This is all hypothetical, I was watching some TV tonight. TV spins some thought-provoking stories.

 

[Rhamiel]

I do not think the priest should break the seal of confession for a crime, he is acting "in persona Christi" he is acting in the place of God, that should not broken for even the most horrible crimes...
I know how bad that sounds, but some things are sacred and no compromise can be had

 

[Lady Bug]

I'm not sure if it is necessarily a "get out of jail" free card entirely -

the criminal can still get caught just as easily as opposed to if the criminal never confessed to a priest though - can't he? So I'm not sure that the seal of confession has any bearing on whether the criminal gets caught as easily.

maybe I'm not followingI want to sleep or something sorry

 

[Rhamiel]

Gwendolyn

I'm not sure how I feel about that... especially if the person is unrepentant and is using confession as a "get out of jail free" card and not actually seek forgiveness and reform themselves.

well God will not forgive them if they are not really sorry, but that is His call, not ours

 

[Joachim]

As I recall a priest cannot break the seal of confession and that is the way it should be. A priest is meant to be a mediator between you and God. It's not his job to be a spy for the state.

 

[Rhamiel]

we tell people that the normal way that an all knowing, all powerful, all good God forgives people is by that person telling a Priest there sins
secularists and Protestants look at us like we are crazy
so we have to keep this above everything, it has to be... "pure"?
I dunno what I am saying, hope I do not sound crazy

 

[Lady Bug]

what has to be "pure"?

 

[Gwendolyn]

It must be such a horrible dilemma, though, for the priest to be in. Especially if he knows that people are continuing to get hurt because of the criminal.

Sorry, I just realised that I confused priestly confidentiality with doctor-patient privilege, lol. I think it is psychologists/psychiatrists who are permitted to speak up if their patient commits a crime, or continues to commit crimes.

 

[Tigg]

I do not think the priest should break the seal of confession for a crime, he is acting "in persona Christi" he is acting in the place of God, that should not broken for even the most horrible crimes...
I know how bad that sounds, but some things are sacred and no compromise can be had

I agree with ya and all but...

I believe there might be a time when acting in persona for Christ, would be just dandy. Christ would, I am sure, just actually come out of that confessional and bop and slap the bee howdy out of a few - ie murderers , rapists, child abuser, etc. You know, the cream of the crop I am thinking off. And I would

I know, I know. The priest must remain silent or no one would confess anything. But, just a-sayen-

Edit: Just a thought but I wonder how many confess criminal deeds? Interesting. I have a feeling not many do but who knows. Hummm

 

[Rhamiel]

what has to be "pure"?

the sancitiy of the confessional, it can not be tinged with anything
people are confessing there darkest sins, there has to be total trust

 

[Maggie893]

Padre Pio ran more than a few souls out of his confessional because they weren't contrite. But he didn't break the seal! He just made sure they knew that he knew that they were playing at confession rather than truly repentant.

 

[ShannonMcCatholic]

It must be such a horrible dilemma, though, for the priest to be in. Especially if he knows that people are continuing to get hurt because of the criminal.

Sorry, I just realised that I confused priestly confidentiality with doctor-patient privilege, lol. I think it is psychologists/psychiatrists who are permitted to speak up if their patient commits a crime, or continues to commit crimes.

Well, I think that if a person were truly repentant, that that would likely entail turning themselves in....and I my guess is that the priest would counsel such. I mean part of making a worthy confession is sincere contrition, and doing one's penance.

 

[Tigg]

Padre Pio ran more than a few souls out of his confessional because they weren't contrite. But he didn't break the seal! He just made sure they knew that he knew that they were playing at confession rather than truly repentant.

Bet God approved! Had a priest once who was like that. Stood firm to the church and teachings. Was a firm true Christian and lived it and expected others to. Outspoken on the doctrines of the church but ya had better be sincere when asking questions etc. Protestants flocked to him in droves and his masses were overflowing. A man, now deceased, who I am sure is living with His Savior.

Myself, I am not half the Christian he was but sure wish I were and so I continue to stumble along...
God bless

 

[Mom2Alex]

Priests have chosen death rather than break the sacred seal of confession.

Under no circumstances may any priest tell anyone, even another priest.

 

[isabella1]

Padre Pio ran more than a few souls out of his confessional because they weren't contrite. But he didn't break the seal! He just made sure they knew that he knew that they were playing at confession rather than truly repentant.

I often wondered how a Priest would handle a crime confession as well. I guess Padre Pio has the right idea. Hope all priests are as discerning as he was.