LOMPOC (CA)
KEYT
May 9, 2019
By Nathalie Vera
Clergy now exempt from mandatory reporting laws
A California bill advancing in the state Senate would require clergymen to report child abuse, even if they learn of it in confession.
Leaders of the Catholic Church claim the legislation would violate their freedom of religion.
Father Joy Lawrence Santos, of the Queen of Angels Church in Lompoc, says confession is one of the most sacred sacraments of the church.
“It’s all about God’s love, God’s mercy and forgiveness.”
Lawrence Santos says when a parishioner opens up to him about their sins, it stays between them and God.
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