AUSTRALIA
Wollondilly Advertiser
The region’s highest-ranking Catholic does not believe priests should be compelled to report child abuse admissions made during the sanctity of Confession.
Bishop Peter Ingham, head of the Catholic Diocese of Wollongong – which encompasses the entire Macarthur region – says Catholic faith dictates the Seal of Confession “cannot be broken” and it is equally important to “preserve the sanctity” of confession and “protect, defend and help children”.
He said it was not an “either or” situation, but rather a “both and”.
The Bishop has clarified his position in response to a recent recommendation out of the Royal Commission into child abuse within the Catholic church.
The recommendation suggested priests should be compelled by law to report to authorities any instances of child abuse admitted to them during Confession.
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