Confessions

[Tora-Musume]

I was wondering. If I had killed someone (just an example) and went to church to confess my sin, no one will learn of my clandestined crime since I have pretty much claimed sanctuary. When for some reason the confession was taped, the law tries to use it to convict me. Only problem is, it is not to be used and will be dismissed from the court since it is almost like a church law not to allow the confession that was taped to be used in court (but the law will find other ways to find me guilty but they can't use the tape). Am I making any sence? From what my gathering is, for those who have committed a sevear act and have confessed about their sins, will not be turned over to the authorities, because it will be violating the churches faith. What about the parents, family, and friends of the victim? So, basically the person that committed this violent act will go free. The tape will not be used as evidence that this entity had committed a violent crime and had confessed in doing so. But a crime and a sin has been committed. I know that it's a confession and pretty much that that person has claimed sanctuary, but it will be like the Church and the All Mighty protecting the sinner for his/her crime(s). Can someone please explain to me the churches truth on this matter. In simplest form: Why are sinners confessions kept a secret when it has a major part in the taking of another life or other serious crimes? Why are the fathers in the churches not able to turn the sinners in for the visious crimes that they have committed?

[StColette]

You're correct what is said in Confession is completely confidentual no matter how severe it may be and the Priest is not allowed to turn the person in to the police. The Priest will, however, talk with the person and have them turn themselves in. The sin is on the conscience of the sinner and they have to confess for themselves not have someone else do so for them.

Edited August 13, 2004 by StColette

[amarkich]

The Church is not "protecting criminals" by having confidential Confessions. The government still has the normal legal means of catching criminals (taping Confessions is not a normal legal means). If the person is guilty, he must suffer before God for his sins, and he will do a penance which (should) make some reparation for his sins. The rest will be made up in Purgatory. Turning oneself in to be judged by the civil authorities is a proper act of humility, honesty, and charity, and would be expected of any sincere penitent. Even so, it may be within the Priest's authority to make part of his penance confessing to lawful authority so that justice may be served. Any suffering he does can help him make satisfaction for his sin which will be harder to do in Purgatory (a penny on Earth will go for a dime in Purgatory).

[cmotherofpirl]

Tora how many people do you think would go to confession if they knew the priests were informers?

[Tora-Musume]

[quote name='cmotherofpirl' date='Aug 12 2004, 09:42 PM'] Tora how many people do you think would go to confession if they knew the priests were informers? [/quote]
true

[Tora-Musume]

Thanks Everyone for your answer.

Gotta Love Me!

[StColette]

No problem

[Crusader_4]

I was talking to a priest about a similar question and he was saying that even if the police came to him and asked him whether or not an individual had gone to confession he could not answer. He said it has never happened with police but with wives and husbands a lot.

[StColette]

wow