Religion

zipplewrath

(16,694 posts)

3. It can be fixed

Mon Sep 10, 2018, 02:24 PM

Sep 2018

The seal of the confessional can be changed to apply to the lay penitent and the priest. Priests already put themselves in a elevated position so "breaking the seal" is only reasonable. I don't expect them to do as such but...

By the by, it has always been the case that the priest can give instructions to the penitent to confess such crimes to the police as part of their "absolution". Technically, if they don't, then their sins are not absolved. I understand it seems like a pointless distinction, but the penitent that is foolish enough to admit these things in the confessional, apparently finds some importance in this distinction. Technically, within the RCC, forgiveness involves something similar to the twelve steps and involves admitting the sin and requesting forgiveness from the person wronged. AA calls it "making amends". Truly the proper result of a priest making these confessions should be both a requirement to express regret for their actions, beg forgiveness from the wronged, and going to the police to face the consequences.

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The Long, Long History of the Seal of the Confessional [View all] MineralMan Sep 2018 OP

A specific religious belief that directly impacted the scale and depth of the abuse scandal. trotsky Sep 2018 #1

Yes, and since it is a sacrament of the RCC, it will not be changed. MineralMan Sep 2018 #2

It can be fixed zipplewrath Sep 2018 #3

The problem, however, is far more complicated than that. MineralMan Sep 2018 #5

The problem isn't the "rules" zipplewrath Sep 2018 #7

And yet, those "rules" perpetuate the problem, I think. MineralMan Sep 2018 #9

It's a cartel zipplewrath Sep 2018 #11

It is, indeed. We're beginning to learn more about that cartel. MineralMan Sep 2018 #18

Nope zipplewrath Sep 2018 #26

"it has always been the case that the priest can give instructions to the penitent to confess" trotsky Sep 2018 #6

Yes they do zipplewrath Sep 2018 #10

"even canon law ultimately would allow the Vatican to apply appropriate punishment" trotsky Sep 2018 #20

Yup zipplewrath Sep 2018 #24

And the doctrine that says priests are subject to canon law. trotsky Sep 2018 #30

An excellent answer. guillaumeb Sep 2018 #16

Yup zipplewrath Sep 2018 #23

But it's also theology and canon law. trotsky Sep 2018 #31

Above what law? zipplewrath Sep 2018 #33

Above secular law, of course. trotsky Sep 2018 #35

A question about your hypothetical PJMcK Sep 2018 #4

Actually, I would think that many, many such sexual offenders MineralMan Sep 2018 #8

I'll go a little further. In times past, masturbation was considered to be MineralMan Sep 2018 #13

I'm not going to pretend that sexually abusing kids isn't heinous qazplm135 Sep 2018 #34

Without this rule, the confessional wouldn't work. gtar100 Sep 2018 #12

You're probably right about that. MineralMan Sep 2018 #15

It already should zipplewrath Sep 2018 #28

At least in the US, seminarians now undergo background checks. guillaumeb Sep 2018 #14

Those rarely find anything in young people, and are MineralMan Sep 2018 #17

Zipplewrath spoke of a solution. guillaumeb Sep 2018 #19

I think the odds of that happening are very long. MineralMan Sep 2018 #21

The Pope is, in theory, the supreme authority. guillaumeb Sep 2018 #22

But, you see, Pope Francis will do no such thing. MineralMan Sep 2018 #25

I hope that I will prove to be correct, guillaumeb Sep 2018 #27

The road to hell is paved with hope. Act_of_Reparation Sep 2018 #32

I don't think confession is the main problem marylandblue Sep 2018 #29