Công Giáo posted an update in the group
4 weeks ago
Dio YakimaDear Friends:
As you know I posted a brief message Saturday about the governor of Washington State signing SB 5375 requiring clergy to report cases of sexual abuse of minors even when this information is revealed under the seal of the sacrament of confession.
I also mentioned our letter we sent asking to meet with the governor which received no response as far as I know. You can scroll back to Saturday to see what I previously posted.
We need to continue to pray for all victims of sexual abuse. We need to continue our efforts with creating safe environments for minors and vulnerable adults. I need parishes to fully participate as we enter into this July’s routine three-year on-site visit as part of the USCCB sponsored audit on our participation of the Dallas Charter and its Essential Norms.
But we should also be grateful that the United States Department of Justice has stepped in. While I was certainly starting to consult with our attorneys regarding the constitutionality of this law I had no contact with anyone from rhe United States Department of Justice so this does come as a welcome surprise.
I realize that many may disagree but in a way that parallels attorney client privilege, the seal of confession allows the penitent to come to grips with moral accountability and culpability. That seems to have been noted by the Justice Deparment’s Harmeet K. Dhillon in the final paragraph of their information release today.
We want to hope and pray that heart so moved by the mercy of God and the guidance of the skilled clergy will necessarily lead to an encounter beyond the sacramental seal with law enforcement.
+Bishop Joseph Tyson
justice.gov
The Justice Department today announced it has opened a civil rights investigation into the development and passage of Washington State Senate Bill 5375, signed into law on May 2, 2025, by Governor Bob Ferguson, which appears on its face to … Continue reading
