MovieChat Forums > The Confession (2011) Discussion > High Drama, expertly delivered. 1 questi...

High Drama, expertly delivered. 1 question remains...

posted 12 years ago by biggusdickus76
1 reply | jump to latest

Is the expectation of the priest's confidentiality absolute? Does it apply to crimes that are to be committed in the future? I know of cases where psychoanalysts have been forced by law to testify in court about privileged information concerning clients -- as it may relate to future crimes -- and I'm just wondering whether or not a catholic priest can be forced to or is even permitted to disclose such information, or if the seal of confession is absolute.

Anyone know anything about this?

[–] fox-fairandbalanced-news 12 years ago

it's absolute to them. the way they see it: what matters more, an oath you made under god or doing what is legally and socially expected of any responsible adult?

technically they could be held responsible if they had direct knowledge of an even before it took place, and they didn't notify officials.

however, that rarely ever happens. even when it's obvious that they withheld information, the chances of being charged and being held responsible are slim to none.

look at the cases of faith healing gone wrong, or priesthood molestation. the internal secrecy and the unwillingness of public officials to stand up to religion make it nearly impossible to do anything about it. not saying no one ever got prosecuted, but not even a 10th of offenders were.