... and wants legal protection when he does it:
Melbourne archbishop says he'd rather go to jail than report child abuse heard in confession
He's certainly not alone in his opinion, and the law of many countries does give priests the protection he wants.
... but should it? Should priests who decide to shield child abusers be exempt from mandatory reporting laws?
The archbishop of the archdiocese of Melbourne, Denis Hart, said he would risk going to jail rather than report allegations of child sexual abuse raised during confession, and that the sacredness of communication with God during confession should be above the law.
Melbourne archbishop says he'd rather go to jail than report child abuse heard in confession
He's certainly not alone in his opinion, and the law of many countries does give priests the protection he wants.
... but should it? Should priests who decide to shield child abusers be exempt from mandatory reporting laws?