The Governor of Washington State just lately signed into legislation laws that may require clergy to report youngster abuse or neglect. There are various roles the place such “necessary reporting” is required, and plenty of consider that this addresses a vital omission. Present necessary reporters in Washington State embody college personnel, nurses, social service counselors and psychologists.
Others, nevertheless, are involved that with out exceptions for clergy-penitent privilege, the legislation might place Catholic clergymen at odds with civil legislation because of the “seal of the confessional.” That will be thought-about a mortal sin and lead to excommunication.
Bishop Thomas A. Daly of Spokane, Washington, responded with the next assertion to his diocese: “I need to guarantee you that your shepherds, bishops and clergymen, are dedicated to maintaining the seal of confession—even to the purpose of going to jail. The Sacrament of Penance is sacred and can stay that means within the Diocese of Spokane.” He went on to say that they’ve “strong protocols and procedures” in place for the safety of youngsters.
Whether or not you agree with this stance or not, for a church embroiled in youngster intercourse abuse scandal, it’s not look. However I’ll go additional and say that I, for one, don’t agree with the stance. Additional, having established protocols and procedures for the safety of youngsters has little to do with having first-hand information of the continuing abuse of a kid that might be stopped if divulged.
Jesus stated, “And whoever welcomes slightly youngster… in my title welcomes me” (Matthew 18:5, NIV).
Now that won’t appear to be a complete lot, however within the Bible the thought of “welcoming” somebody was very particular and meant much more than it means as we speak. It meant to be involved about somebody—to look after them, to indicate kindness to them. To welcome somebody within the title of Jesus means to do as He would do, to take action for His sake, to take action as a Christ follower.
Then Jesus added these phrases: “But when anybody causes one among these little ones who consider in me to sin, it could be higher for him to have a big millstone hung round his neck and to be drowned within the depths of the ocean” (Matthew 18:6, NIV).
A millstone was a round stone that was used to grind grain. There have been two sorts of millstones: a small one which might be used within the kitchen by hand for small quantities of grinding, and a big one among industrial power (which is the type Jesus particularly referenced) that was pulled by a donkey or another work animal round a grinding vat of some type. This sort of millstone would have been as tall as a person. It was big and will weigh as much as 1,000 kilos.
The imagery of hanging that round somebody’s neck after which throwing them into the deepest components of the ocean was sturdy.
However it was meant to be.
One of the disturbing issues I’ve ever learn was an article within the Washington Put up by a lady named Sarah Chang. Sarah labored as a federal prosecutor of sexual abuse crimes in opposition to youngsters. Her workplace was answerable for investigating and prosecuting things like the manufacturing, possession and trafficking of kid pornography.
Throughout her first week on the job, she stated that one among her colleagues gave her some recommendation on how to deal with what she must view by way of proof.
Her colleague stated, “Flip the hold forth.”
All Chang might think about have been youngsters screaming, crying and shrieking in ache.
Then got here her first case file, containing a number of CDs and DVDs displaying a younger lady being abused by her father, who filmed his crimes with a handheld digital camera. So, she went to the forensic pc lab and braced herself. And regardless of her colleague’s warning, she knew she didn’t need to stay deaf throughout her first move on the proof. So she left the sound on in an effort to really feel the horror of all of it and to ensure she didn’t miss something that may have an effect on their case.
However she heard nothing.
She turned it up increased.
Nothing.
She turned the amount up as excessive as she might, however all she heard was silence. The five-year-old lady stated nothing; she didn’t even sob. And that’s what she present in video after video—silent struggling.
She later realized that it is a typical response of younger sexual abuse victims. Psychiatrists say the silence conveys their sense of helplessness, which can be why they’re reluctant to report the incidents and why their tendency is to accommodate their abusers. Their helplessness is rooted within the full breach of belief they’ve skilled as a result of, all too typically, their abusers are individuals they anticipated would defend them.
In accordance with the Justice Division, greater than 80% of sexual abuse offenses in opposition to youngsters are dedicated by individuals they know—dad and mom, kinfolk, daycare suppliers and different trusted adults.
Because of this the overwhelming majority of circumstances are by no means reported. The “trusted” grownup tells them to maintain it a secret, or that it’s an act of affection between them, or that they’ll harm their household, or that it’s going to get them in hassle.
Chang writes that on some days she has to take a look at 50 photographs, and on others as much as 300. She dreads the movies essentially the most as a result of not solely does she face the kids’s silence, however – in each the images and movies – their eyes, she says, are lifeless.
Jesus’ thought of a millstone appears about proper.
The church should awaken to this and now. That is the darkest of the darkish, and we’re the one mild. What would that imply? Report any and all abuse.
“However it’s my husband.”
Report it instantly.
“However it’s my uncle.”
Report it instantly.
“However it’s a employees individual at my church and will harm our church’s repute.”
Report it instantly.
“However it was divulged to me throughout a confession.”
Report it instantly.
After which perhaps rethink your understanding of the theology of the “seal of confession”
… significantly when it includes a baby.
James Emery White
Sources
Kate Scanlon, “Washington State Invoice Requiring Clergy to Report Baby Abuse Signed by Governor,” America Journal, Could 5, 2025, learn on-line.
Emma Taggart, “One in Ten Males Have Carried Out Intercourse Offences Towards Youngsters, Says Survey,” The Instances UK, September 21, 2023, learn on-line.
James A. Brooks, “Mark,” The New American Commentary.
Sarah Chang, “I Watch Baby Pornography to Prosecute Intercourse Crimes. The Youngsters’ Silence Is Deafening,” The Washington Put up, October 23, 2015, learn on-line.
