The fact of the matter is, as discussed on a related thread, the alleged confession occurred six years ago. So if the parties involved are interested in justice, they should have the girl, now legally a woman, testify in a court of law. There’s no reason to be asking the priest what was said, the victim can testify herself as to what she told the priest.
Why isn’t that being done? I didn’t see any discussion about that question on the previous thread. I suppose one possibility is because she’s too traumatized by the whole affair but another is simply because, as has also been brought up as a possibility here, this is an attempt by secularists to gain control over the Confessional. I’m sure that’s at least some part of the motivation of some involved in this case. Not the young woman but others supposedly representing her “interests”.
Let’s also not forget that the perpetrator if this crime is dead. He died of a heart attack in the course of a criminal investigation. So there’s nothing to be done here but persecute a priest for keeping the seal of confession inviolate.
Let me ask you something directly DManA: do you think a priest should be required by law to report something he heard in the course of a confession to the police, if said confession contains an admission of a crime, either committed or ongoing?
If you answer that question it may save you some time because I’m going to tell you now: priests are not allowed to tell anyone anything about any confession, even if said confession took place. Period.
So if you answer “yes” to the above your issue is not with this priest in particular but with the Catholic Church.
I see no reason in beating around that bush.
Does anyone know for sure if this case is about civil damages against the diocese? I think she did testify in court, but how do you award damages or even charge the priest with something when his faith tells him he can’t even confirm he heard her confession? Like I said, if the law is indeed this way in LA and supposedly other states, why hasn’t this come up before?
FReegards