Can a priest ever acceptable break the vow of silence from a confession.

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   Winter Maclenposted 12 years ago

   Can a priest ever acceptable break the vow of silence from a confession.
   
   I just saw a tv show that asked a morale question.  If a roman catholic priest hears a confession, can he reveal it if the revelation will protect an innocent. Is the vow invalid if the confessor isn't sincere in his repentance.

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2. 59

   madmachioposted 12 years ago

   No he can not. If it's said in confession he can not talk about it to anyone else. Even to other priests.

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3. 67

   Bretsukiposted 12 years ago

   Hello, I believe a priest is obligated to obey the law.
   
   He cannot use the sanctity of the confessional to protect a criminal who has confessed to a crime.
   He must also inform on anyone whom he believes is a danger to others as a result of anything said in confession. So for instance if a confessor threatened murder, the priest is obliged to inform the authorities or face a charge of being an accessory before the fact or even an accomplice in the crime.
   Canon (Church) Law is subserviant to national or Secular Law in terms of criminal acts.
   
   A priest is not meant to be his own judge and jury and cannot decide if a penitant person is seriously penitant. In that God is the judge.

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4. 61

   Dubuquedogtrainerposted 12 years ago

   Under the law, and morally as well as ethically I would think he could to protect someone from endangerment - either form hurting someone else or him or herself. That is generally the way it is for all professionals, and I think the same should hold true for a priest.

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5. 64

   heavenbound5511posted 12 years ago

   They are not supposed  to.
   
   Remember the Bible tell us- "Call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven".Matthew 23:9
   
   We don't have to go to a Priest and address him as "Father"  and confess our sins.
   This falls into man traditions not God's.
   
   If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1John 1:9
   
   In him(Jesus) and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.Ephesians 3:12
   
   For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.Ephesians 2:18 (Holy Spirit-Matthew 3:11,Titus 3:5
   
   the concept of confession of sin to a priest is nowhere taught in Scripture. We are to confess our sins to God (1 John 1:9). As New Covenant believers, we do not need mediators between us and God. We can go to God directly because of Jesus’ sacrifice for us. 1 Timothy 2:5; “For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.

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      Dubuquedogtrainerposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Amen!

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   Agnes Pennposted 12 years ago

   Priests cannot reveal what is said in confession.  The same way that once the trust between a man and woman in marriage is broken and damage can be irreparable, though forgivable, the relationship between a priest and the Church (Its members) most be maintained. 
   It's commendable that people read the Scriptures for answers, but not with a judgmental attitude towards the Church.  Instead, led by the Holy Spirit in prayer. 
   When St. Peter denied Jesus three times he did not loose hope, like Judas did, but faced his sin.  Jesus, in turn after the resurrection, asked Peter to confirm his love three times.  Peter understood his sin and the opportunity to amend it as he shows by being overcome with emotion and sorrow. 
   This is what we do in confession.  We face our sin.  We confess it to the descendants of Peter and they impart absolution for anything they hold bound on earth will be held bound in heaven and anything loosed on earth will be loosed in heaven.  The Church will stand, even if some of Its members abuse or understand little how to live in It.  And the Sacrament of Confession will be the means to heal It's members as Peter was healed.

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      madmachioposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Well said!

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