IRELAND
Irish Independent
By Michael Brennan Deputy Political Editor
Thursday April 26 2012
CATHOLIC priests will defy a new law that requires them to report sexual abuse disclosed to them in the confession box — despite the threat of 10-year jail sentences.
It came after Justice Minister Alan Shatter confirmed the mandatory reporting requirement would apply to priests hearing confession.
Fr Sean McDonagh of the Association of Catholic Priests, which represents 800 clergymen, warned last night: “I certainly wouldn’t be willing to break the seal of confession for anyone — Alan Shatter particularly.”
And Auxiliary Bishop of Dublin Raymond Field said: “The seal of the confessional is inviolable as far as I am concerned, and that’s the end of the matter.”
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