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Confraternity of Catholic Clergy
May 6, 2025
SAN DIEGO, Calif., May 6, 2025 /Standard Newswire/ --The Confraternity of Catholic Clergy categorically condemns Senate Bill 5375, signed into law by Washington state Governor Ferguson on May 2, 2025, which mandates priests to break the seal of confession if a penitent reveals information about possible child abuse. If he does not violate the sacred confidentiality of the sacrament, he can be imprisoned by this new legislation.
Father John Trigilio, president of the Confraternity of Catholic Clergy, a national association of priests and deacons, said, “Criminal prosecution must rely on constitutional methods to convict rather than violate the freedom of religion. District Attorneys and civil courts must respect and uphold the First Amendment (freedom of religion) as equally as the Fourth and Fifth Amendments (due process; no illegal search and seizure; no self-incrimination)”
The Governor and State of Washington are not imposing the same breach of confidentiality to physicians or lawyers – just to priests. While the heinous crime of abusing minors must be vehemently condemned, the seal of confession is inviolable by divine law. Doctor/Patient and Attorney/Client privilege are honored and defended in law. Likewise, the absolute right of Priest/Penitent must be vigorously safeguarded as well.
Both the Catechism of the Catholic Church (#1467) and the Code of Canon Law (#983, 1388) unequivocally state that the sacramental seal is a matter of faith as well as of discipline. The priest cannot reveal the identity or the contents of the confession. He must risk imprisonment or even death rather than betray the sacred trust. Furthermore, any priest who breaks the seal incurs automatic excommunication reserved to the Roman Pontiff.
As Catholic clergy committed to both the protection of children and the integrity of the sacraments, we affirm that these commitments are not in conflict. We encourage penitents to voluntarily report crimes to proper authorities, all while maintaining the sacred and inviolable seal of confession. It is not a question of either/or insofar as the state must choose between defending children or respecting religion. It has been and can continue to be both/and, not either/or, so neither should be in jeopardy.
SOURCE Confraternity of Catholic Clergy
CONTACT: Rev. Fr. John Trigilio, 619-800-8672, 814-580-5082 (mobile), catholic.clergy@gmail.com
