Priest Answers: If Someone Confesses A Murder, What Do You Do?

Summary

In this video, Father David Michael Moses explains the Catholic Church's practice of the Seal of Confession, where priests cannot disclose what is confessed to them, no matter the gravity of the sin, even in cases like murder. He illustrates this with different scenarios, highlighting that priests must maintain confidentiality in the sacrament of confession. However, outside of confession, a priest is bound to act if someone is in danger or has committed a crime. Father Moses emphasizes the power of Jesus' sacrifice to forgive even the gravest sins, inviting viewers to reflect on their own spiritual journeys.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Seal of Confession means that a priest cannot repeat what is confessed, ensuring confidentiality.
• 😀 If someone shares personal information outside of confession, it’s considered privileged, but the priest is not bound by the same secrecy as in confession.
• 😀 The priest is obligated to act if someone reveals intentions to harm themselves or others, even outside of confession.
• 😀 If a person confesses a crime like murder, the priest cannot reveal it but can suggest turning oneself in for justice.
• 😀 Forgiveness in the sacrament of confession is made possible by Christ’s sacrifice, and is available even for serious sins like murder.
• 😀 A priest’s role in confession is to guide and offer advice, but they cannot force someone to reveal their crimes or report them.
• 😀 The priest must treat the penitent with dignity, offering them spiritual guidance without violating the confidentiality of confession.
• 😀 If a priest breaks the Seal of Confession, they are automatically excommunicated, highlighting the serious nature of this secrecy.
• 😀 The sacrament of confession offers the opportunity for deep spiritual reflection, where people can confess even their darkest sins without fear of public disclosure.
• 😀 Father Moses humorously reminds viewers that the only unforgivable sin in his view is watching his videos without subscribing, inviting them to engage with his channel.

Q & A

What is the Seal of Confession?

The Seal of Confession is a concept in the Catholic Church that means a priest cannot reveal anything said during a confession. The confidentiality is absolute, and the priest cannot disclose any details about what was confessed, regardless of the sin.

What is the difference between privileged information and confession?

Privileged information refers to private matters shared with a priest outside of confession, like in a personal conversation. While it's still expected to be respected, it is not bound by the strict secrecy of confession. In contrast, the Seal of Confession applies to sins confessed in the sacrament of confession, where the priest is prohibited from revealing anything said.

What would a priest do if someone confessed a crime like poisoning the city's water?

If someone confesses a crime like poisoning the city's water outside of confession, the priest is not bound by the Seal of Confession and would be legally required to report it. However, in confession, the priest cannot reveal what was said due to the confidentiality.

Can a priest reveal details of a confession if the person confesses they're going to harm themselves or others?

If someone confesses a threat to harm themselves or others, the priest has an obligation to act on that information. While the Seal of Confession applies, the priest may still need to act out of love and legal requirements, especially if there is an immediate danger.

What happens if a priest breaks the Seal of Confession?

If a priest breaks the Seal of Confession by revealing specific details of someone's confession, they are automatically excommunicated, meaning they are expelled from the Church.

Can a priest require someone to turn themselves in for a crime they confessed?

No, a priest cannot force someone to turn themselves in for a crime. While a priest can suggest it during confession, the decision to turn oneself in is ultimately up to the individual. The priest can only offer guidance.

What role does a priest play in confession?

A priest acts in Persona Christi, meaning in the person of Christ. They are not the authority over the sins confessed; instead, they act as a representative of Christ to offer forgiveness and spiritual guidance to the penitent.

Can a priest treat someone differently after they confess a serious sin like murder?

No, a priest cannot treat a person differently after hearing a confession, no matter how serious the sin. The Seal of Confession ensures that the priest remains neutral and does not act based on the content of the confession.

What is the significance of Jesus' sacrifice in the context of confession?

Jesus' sacrifice on the cross is central to the sacrament of confession. It is through His sacrifice that all sins, even the most serious ones like murder, can be forgiven. The priest, acting in the person of Christ, extends this forgiveness to the penitent.

Is there any sin that cannot be forgiven in confession?

According to Father David Michael Moses, the only sin that cannot be forgiven in confession is watching one of his videos without subscribing. This was a humorous remark, as all sins, including serious ones, can be forgiven through confession if the person is truly sorry.