Should Priests be required to report child abuse exposed during cofessions?

[neurosis]

The purpose of the law is to be merciful to the repentant sinner.

To the detriment of an abused child. You don't get an escape hatch from that as far as I'm concerned. Built in exoneration for that level of heinousness is repulsive in every way. How do you compare abusing a child to hiding people during the holocaust?  That is some pro level rationalization.

I get that it's built in to their "laws" but their laws are bull shit if it protects child abusers. Especially sexual abuse. This is just my opinion.

You won't sway me on this.

[beej]

You won't sway me on this.

Then why did you start the thread in the first place? just to bitch about Catholicism?

[neurosis]

Then why did you start the thread in the first place? just to bitch about Catholicism?

Because I wanted to know if there was a justification for the Federal Government interfering in State law and if it was a legitimate justification. Being merciful to a repentant child abuser/rapist isn't a justification to me.

Jeff was probably on a better track to getting through to me on this one.   

[beej]

Because I wanted to know if there was a justification for the Federal Government interfering in State law and if it was a legitimate justification. Being merciful to a repentant child abuser/rapist isn't a justification to me.

Jeff was probably on a better track to getting through to me on this one.   

I started off trying to explain it from a secular point of view, you accused me of deflecting. Then I tried to explain it from the Church's view and belittled me.  I knew I never should have got into this thread in the first place, but I thought that you would handle my arguments for the state using their authority over the church in one directtion or another seriously.

Have at it, Jeff.

[Smit]

I think catholic churches should be held to the same standard as other religions and organizations. If it's about priests abusing kids, that's easy. Prosecute them, and the people who enable them, to the extent of the law. If it's about confession, a priest shouldn't be forced to give up information about anybody for a normal "sin", but for something heinous they should, imo.

How would everybody feel if Muslim mosques refused to give up the names of suspected pedophiles? Or decided shariah law supersedes federal and state law?

It should be the same with the "laws" of other religions.

I don't care much for what religious groups or other organizations do as long as nobody is getting hurt in the process.

[neurosis]

I started off trying to explain it from a secular point of view, you accused me of deflecting. Then I tried to explain it from the Church's view and belittled me.

The deflection comment was because you were comparing a priest in confession to a defense attorney. I don't see the parallel. One is required under our legal system to defend people, and the other is not. I don't agree with our current "justice" system as I pointed out, but again, I just don't see the parallel. 

I'm not trying to belittle you. Sorry if it comes across that way. I wouldn't compare J walking to murder. If I did, I would expect you to tell me that I was being ridiculous.

And yes, I'm coming in to this biased. But not against religion. I'm not anti-religion. I'm anti protect/hide child abusers.

[Del.]

I started off trying to explain it from a secular point of view, you accused me of deflecting. Then I tried to explain it from the Church's view and belittled me.  I knew I never should have got into this thread in the first place, but I thought that you would handle my arguments for the state using their authority over the church in one directtion or another seriously.

Have at it, Jeff.

We were all pulling for you too Beej!  😆

[neurosis]

We were all pulling for you too Beej!  😆

Hey man. This is the one time I actually feel like I have the moral high ground. Cut me some slack. 

[MIL-TFP-41]

The people of Washington, enacting that law know full well that the result of this law will lead to the imprisonment of priests rather than the revelation of child abusers. The state of Washington is not going to change Canon law.

Or it could prevent the abusers from seeking absolution. I don't see a downside to this. If confessing and saying a few prayers is penance for committing these acts, rather than actual punishment, then that system is fucked and should be abolished. I say once these acts are committed, you carry that shit with you to the grave, no exceptions.

Why immediate excommunication is not standard practice in these cases is beyond me. Thats your loophole. Excommunicate the fuckwad immediately, then report him. This would satisfy the sanctity of confession and allow clergy to report abuse. Or does confession apply to non members of the secret handshake club?

[Smit]

Yeah, saying you're sorry might be good enough to get you into heaven, but you can spend the rest of your life in prison until that day comes.

[neurosis]

I'm a little confused about why we're more concerned with "the biggest burdens that a priest carries" and "being merciful to a repentant child abuser/rapist" than we are the safety and well-being of children?

Out of curiosity and ignorance, why aren't laws that were coded in to Cannon Law in 1215, modified to reflect current moral values? Especially when it comes to the protection of children?  These laws are changed occasionally?   

[Newbeeee™]

Am I missing something fundamental....not that I've ever been to one so haven't a scooby, but aren't confessions nameless - hidden, secret, etc?
So how would the priest know who to snitch on?

[neurosis]

Why immediate excommunication is not standard practice in these cases is beyond me. Thats your loophole.

I thought about this and didn't think it would make a good argument. Then I read your post and it makes perfect sense to me.

[Newbeeee™]

I'm a little confused about why we're more concerned with "the biggest burdens that a priest carries" and "being merciful to a repentant child abuser/rapist" than we are the safety and well-being of children?

Not me - re-read reply #1 - dirty fukkers need to be wiped from the earth, and kids need to be protected with innocence intact until they decide their future....

[neurosis]

Am I missing something fundamental....not that I've ever been to one so haven't a scooby, but aren't confessions nameless - hidden, secret, etc?
So how would the priest know who to snitch on?

Beej pointed that out.

Put a hidden camera in the booth that snaps a photo when someone confesses to child abuse that is instantly uploaded to law enforcement?