Irish priests will disobey new confession box law on child abuse

Photo by Mark Duffy

Recently a new piece of legislation put into place by Ireland’s Justice Minister Alan Shatter  will force the clergy to reveal all details disclosed in confession. But even with the threat of a 10 year jail sentence the priests have vowed to defy the law, while the 800 strong Association of Catholic Priests have even told newspapers that they will flout the law. The Spokesman Fr Sean McDonagh told the paper: “I certainly wouldn’t be willing to break the seal of confession for anyone -- Alan Shatter particularly.”

Under the new law, every person in the state is obliged to report suspected sexual abuse of children and vulnerable adults to police. Personally I am ok with this piece of legislation, many would claim it is infringing on religious freedom, but this type of behavior is harmful to others, I think the law should be edited to also include murderers and all kinds of felonies. What do you think about this law, do you agree or disagree? leave your opinions in the comments below!