Churches defend clergy loophole in child sex abuse reporting

[yortsed snacilbuper]

It was a frigid Sunday evening at the Catholic Newman Center in Salt Lake City when the priest warned parishioners who had gathered after Mass that their right to private confessions was in jeopardy.

A new law would break that sacred bond, the priest said, and directed the parishioners to sign a one-page form letter on their way out. “I/We Oppose HB90,” began the letter, stacked next to pre-addressed envelopes. “HB90 is an improper interference of the government into the practice of religion in Utah.”

In 33 states, clergy are exempt from any laws requiring professionals such as teachers, physicians and psychotherapists to report information about alleged child sexual abuse to police or child welfare officials if the church deems the information privileged.



https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/churches-defend-clergy-loophole-in-child-sex-abuse-reporting/ar-AA12kvHz?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=EE04&cvid=47ddccfd375f43339ae386a14a30ff08

[303squadron]

1. Child abuse can continue

And this is why I hate religion!

[Celerity]

2. bastards

[Dorian Gray]

3. In order to be forgiven for a sin

you have to be truly sorry and make amends. Part of those amends as I see it is facing the consequences. If you're a child predator and confess, the priest should counsel you to turn yourself in to the police. If you don't, you won't be absolved of the sins.

I don't see why that isn't done. (It's not the same as the priest reporting the crime, though.)

I am a mandated reporter, and I think that priests should be too.

[keithbvadu2]

4. It works very well to protect the clergy.

It works very well to protect the clergy.