Unsealing the confessional: The duty of society versus the salvation of souls – Opinion – ABC Religion & Ethics (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)
Simon Longstaff writing for the ABC Religion and Ethics site: very good on the issue, but why does everyone bag out poor old Augustine. Half the time he gets bagged for stuff he never said or believed! We have such an anachronistic/ahistorical view of theology and philosophy.
Good quote:
I think that society’s first duty is to protect the living. Sexually abusing children (and the vulnerable more generally) is an especially heinous crime as it robs the victims of innocence – not just of body, but of self. It involves what Hannah Arendt has called, in another context, a “scarification of the soul.” Therefore, we should insist that where our children are at risk of preventable harm, every citizen should meet their obligation to offer protection.
Personally, I do not believe in hell, nor in a God that punishes for an eternity. Nor do I think that popes and priests have an exclusive capacity to offer God’s forgiveness. But I know many people who do so believe – deeply and sincerely. Among that number are priests who religiously hold to the same world view that led Charles IV to cross the Alps and kneel at the feet of the Pope. These men may deplore the abuse of the innocent. They may do all within their power to convince abusers to stop and to hand themselves in to the police. They may feel impelled by compassion to speak out. But some of them will not. Instead, they will remain silent in the belief that if, one day, an abuser wishes to confess for the sake of their soul, then fear of disclosure by a priest should not prevent them from doing so.
That is why I expect that when society substantially pierces the veil of confidentiality that surrounds the confessional – as it must do – a number of priests will choose, as a matter of conscience, to go to gaol rather than uphold that law.
Currently listening to Emmy Lou Harris sing ‘Magdalene Laundries’ (yes, I know it’s by Joni) and thinking of how apt it is to Longstaff’s piece.
