Confession Archives

Australian archbishop rejects breaking seal of confession for abusers

Jan 17, 2020

The president of the Australian Catholic Bishops’ Conference is the latest of the country’s senior clerics to push back against legislation to lift the seal of confession for child sexual abuse.

By Michael Sainsbury

Everyday Heroes: NFL kicker’s friendship with teammate strengthens faith

Dec 25, 2019

Catholic faith is a big part of Kansas City Chiefs’ kicker Harrison Butker’s life, which also includes dozens of accolades acquired since joining the NFL in 2017. But while attending Georgia Tech, that wasn’t the case. At that point, he was questioning the very foundations of faith.

By Andrew Fowler, CNS

Go to confession, let yourself be consoled, pope says

Dec 10, 2019

Anyone who wants to experience the consolation and tenderness of God simply needs to go to confession, Pope Francis said at his morning Mass.

By Cindy Wooden

Australian states to have priests report abuse disclosed in confession

Sep 26, 2019

The Australian states of Victoria and Tasmania have become the latest in the country to pass legislation criminalizing priests who fail to report the abuse of children disclosed during confession.

By Michael Sainsbury

Australian prelate says mandatory reporting, seal of confession not ‘mutually exclusive’

Aug 16, 2019

Mandatory reporting of child sex abuse by religious ministers is a welcome reform, according to Archbishop Peter Comensoli of Melbourne, but the seal of confession can’t be broken for any reason.

By Charles Collins

Defeat of California’s attempt to break seal of confession a victory for religious liberty

Jul 11, 2019

Kathleen Domingo is Senior Director for the Office of Life, Justice and Peace and Director of Government Relations for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. She helped organize the opposition to a California bill that would have required priests to break the sacramental seal of confession in certain cases.

By Charles C. Camosy