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Must Priests Break the Seal of Confession Under New Laws?

Audio only:

A new law in Washington state requires priests to report abuse heard in confession—can civil law override the sacred seal? We explore Church teaching, legal precedent, and why this issue matters for Catholics everywhere, along with insights on forgiveness, tradition, and spiritual healing.

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Questions Covered:

  • 13:16 - If God said all creation is good, were there predators and prey from the beginning?
  • 16:44 - How do I get over being hurt from my local Catholic Church? Sorry i put up the wrong fader at first.
  • 20:54 - How do I better explain why can’t women be priests?
  • 28:49 - I’ve been forgiven in confession for hurting others. My heart still yearns to be forgiven from them. Some are living and some are deceased. Is it ok to feel this way?
  • 33:27 - I’m a new Catholic. What do you recommend I read more about traditions of the Church that I didn’t cover in OCIA?
  • 43:44 - On Friday the governor of Washington signed a law that priests will be required to report child abuse revealed during confession. Isn’t this already settled law?
  • 51:34 - What is your best argument against the essence/energies distinction as proposed by Gregory Palamas?
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