MICHIGAN
Lvingston Daily
Written by
Lisa Roose-Church
DAILY PRESS & ARGUS
Should a priest have to testify about a crime that a parishioner disclosed during confession?
The Michigan Court of Appeals will consider that issue Thursday when it hears oral arguments in the Wayne County case of Samuel Dale Bragg, now 18, whom prosecutors allege confessed to his pastor that he sexually assaulted a female cousin when he was 15 years old.
The case is expected to set precedent on the issue statewide.
“This kind of decision would have a chilling effect on any kind of religion,” Bragg’s attorney, Raymond Cassar, said. “I don’t think the Court of Appeals should tamper with this.”
Michael Diebold, director of communications for the Diocese of Lansing, agreed, saying congregation members know they can admit their sins in confession — known as the Sacrament of Reconciliation — and be forgiven in confidence.
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