By Rory McNelley, Education and Enrichment Coordinator

 Catholic Governor Bob Ferguson signed a controversial bill on May 2 requiring priests in the state of Washington to break the seal of confession to report crimes of child abuse. Catholics around the country are citing the First Amendment, arguing the law is unconstitutional.

Bishop of Spokane Most Reverend Thomas A. Daly reacted to the signing of Senate Bill 5375 in a formal statement released on the same day. 

“I want to assure you that your shepherds, bishop and priests, are committed to keeping the seal of confession – even to the point of going to jail,” the statement read. 

If a child abuse case were to go to court and it is discovered that a priest failed to report the abuse, this law now allows the priest to face imprisonment, fines and civil liability.

For many Catholics, myself included, it is more important to obey the laws of God than those of the state. What matters more: this life or the eternal one? With this new law, the government is making it harder to follow the rules of a religion.

Bishop Daly later adds, “the Sacrament of Penance is sacred and will remain that way in the Diocese of Spokane.” The sacredness of the sacrament depends on its value to your eternal life; without the seal of confession, the sacredness is gone.

In a similar statement, the Archbishop of Seattle stated that any priest who breaks the seal of confession will be excommunicated from the Church. This church teaching has been established for 2000 years, and it is not going anywhere. The law of Washington is of this world and fleeting; what is most important is following Jesus’ instructions.

The United States Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division released a statement later that week stating it would thoroughly investigate the ‘anti-Catholic’ legislation citing the First Amendment. Freedom of religion is one of the comforts that come with American life that needs to be protected and treasured.

I see this law as a clear violation of the line between church and state that has been well established for decades. Multiple Washington bishops have filed a lawsuit against the state, arguing it is unconstitutional and infringes on their freedom to practice their religion.

After the priest absolves you of your sins, the church believes that the sins are fully forgiven. It is also believed that after confession, the priests do not remember what you said. In the case of a trial, this could be used as a defense against the charges.

Many Catholics, including myself, find the sacrament more approachable because of the seal of confession. Knowing that the things you tell the priest will not be heard by anyone else is a comfort and relief, especially in this day and age. Youth across the country are flocking to Catholicism to hold on to tradition in the changing climate of our world. This new legislation shakes that tradition.