Remove the seal of confession? - Gifts of Fortitude and Counsel

Now, why would I add such a controversial title to this entry as, “Remove the seal of confession?” As we journey towards Pentecost, in such a request, and the response of the Church to such an offensive thought, we might be reminded of our next gift of the Holy Spirit – Counsel and Fortitude. But, why would I pose this question? Because it has been a question posed in this country and other parts of the world. Massachusetts, Virginia, Kentucky, and New Hampshire and in Australia have presented such a challenge to the Church by the secular government of this country and others.

The issue seems to circle around “confessions of abuse.” That is, if someone should come to a Church or wherever, and within the sacrament of reconciliation, confess that they have engaged in the sexual abuse of a child or minor, then the “seal” of confession would not apply. Since priests and all clergy are considered mandatory reporters in cases of child abuse, why would the confessional be exempt? As a mandatory reporter I would be required by law to report a person to legal authorities if I hear they have committed such a crime. However, that would apply in all cases such as personal counseling or other situations. But, should such information come to a priest within the context of a sacramental confession, he is not required to report because the sacred seal of the sacrament has no exceptions. That specific sacramental relationship is the only exception.

This ancient ruling of the Church has been guaranteed for at least the last 1,500 years. Before that the very nature of confessing ones personal sins was recognized as a private conversation between priest and penitent. That is, beyond the sackcloth and ashes public display in front of Churches. Thanks to early Irish Monks, around the 7th century, who would travel Europe as spiritual directors/confessors who made private confession the norm. The standard of secrecy in confessing ones sins outweighs professional confidentiality or secrecy. The seal of confession is inviolable – unable to be violated. Not even the Pope can dispense from the seal of the sacrament of confession and history has shown us that priests have died rather than reveal matter taken from a sacramental conversation with a penitent.

Now, how about the gifts of Counsel and Fortitude? These gifts of the Spirit are somewhat complimentary: Counsel is defined as the gift by which “Christians need not fear to stand up for the truths of the Faith, because the Holy Spirit will guide us in defending those truths.” (Scott P. Richert, About.com) Fortitude is perhaps the gift of the Spirit which is needed daily by any of us. It is defined as, “The gift of the Holy Spirit which gives us the strength to follow through on the actions suggested by the gift of counsel.” (Richert, About.com).

In other words, Fortitude is courage, strength, conviction, peace of mind, and trust. In a sense true Fortitude, goes to heroic levels; that of the martyrs who offered their lives rather than compromise their faith. Such heroes of our Church have been held in the highest esteem since St. Stephen died with the approval of St. Paul before his conversion.

When such a challenge to the Catholic Church by a governmental body as direct interference in our sacred worship, one needs both the gift of Counsel and Fortitude in knowing how to respond.

How would anyone know what is confessed to a priest unless the penitent themselves revealed it? The priest never could or would on threat of instant excommunication. If a penitent makes a claim of something he confessed, the priest cannot be compelled to agree or deny. The seal is truly sacred and provides an opportunity for the penitent to speak freely and openly as they offer true sorrow, repentance and absolution of sin. While the crime of child abuse is indeed horrendous, that does not justify an attack in the integrity of Catholic worship.

This is a complicated matter that must be dealt with carefully but I believe the strength of our Constitution and the long tradition of respect for religion and tolerance of religion in this Country should win out. Fortitude and Counsel are special gifts of the Holy Spirit that call us to stand as authentic witnesses of Jesus Christ and his Church.

For any who may not yet be aware, a unique story on a similar matter as I’ve entered here can be found in my book: The Seal: A Priest Story, available through Amazon.com

Come, Holy Spirit. Bend the stubborn heart and will; Melt the frozen, warm the chill;Guide the steps that go astray.