
ALT One Year Ago Today, Washington agreed to not force clergy to violate the sacred seal of confession. Last year, Catholic priests in Washington faced an impossible choice between obeying their faith or complying with the law. A new state law mandated that priests report instances of abuse or neglect that they hear about in the sacrament of confession, despite the Church’s long-standing teaching that confession is sacred and must remain confidential,

ALT a tradition upheld for over 2,000 years. Washington law has long respected that tradition, just as it protects private conversations with lawyers and others. But the state tried to single out Catholic priests, while giving a pass to lawyers. With Becket’s help, five bishops and several parish priests challenged the law in federal court. Days before the law was scheduled to take effect, the court blocked the law and protected the sacred seal of confession while the case continued.











