Judges to decide: Can religious confessions be used against you?

This one is a toughy. technically, the federal government must allow each individual the free practice of their religion, and by removing the confidentality of the confessional, it limits the free practice of a major Catholic tenet, (or in some protestant christianity too).
But then there comes the dilemma, whether or not the government can ask a preist, a pastor, etc, to reveal what had been said in confession.
If they do not, techinically they are complicit in the crime, knowing valueable details that might solve a case, put away a criminal. They could techinically be charged with witholding information, a la Lil Kim's stint in jail

But if they do reveal what has been said, they are violating a major religious practice, and infringing upon the rights that we give to religion.
So, this leaves us with a catch 22.
Be punished by man for upholding your religious practices, or (techinically) be punished by god for violating your promise to keep what has been said in confession private.

It is my belief that we should not force a priest or pastor to reveal what has been said, unless it involves the harm of someone else. Even then, Im kinda iffy of the constitutionality of that, but I dont think we should let bad people hide beind the guise of religion.

So it would be different like...say if you attended church every sunday and you confessed to the priest that you murdered someone than if you had never gone to church, murdered someone, and then confessed to a priest and expect him to keep it confidential?

I am catholic. Confession is sacred. What is said behind the veil should never be subjugated to judicial purposes. I realize how brash that sounds, and one who confesses should still be held accountable and tried and punished under the judicial system, but asking forgiveness from god is not the same as a confession to the police. Sanctuary is sanctuary.

thats the thing, there are so many loop holes in it that this will be a tough decision, as it allows an out for criminals, but at the same time interferes with the constitutionals rights of the clergy.
I think that there is no real solution to this

Ya but you're obviously Catholic. It doesn't seem fair to have someone just say they're Catholic so they can get something off their chest. And if you give that privelige to one and not all? I had something so profound to say and I swear I have completely forgotten what the fuck we are talking about.

I know that's not how you spell that i'm gonna come back and edit that later. Remind me. Someone.

RainbowBrite86 said:

...I have no idea what the fuck you said. Start over. I'm listening.

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Its about a guy who confessed a murder at an AA meeting and they turned him over to the cops the rest is just a rant .

RainbowBrite86 said:

Ya but you're obviously Catholic. It doesn't seem fair to have someone just say they're Catholic so they can get something off their chest. And if you give that [privilege] to one and not all? I had something so profound to say and I swear I have completely forgotten what the fuck we are talking about.

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I wonder ... if I went to confession and one of the sins to which I confessed was impersonating a Catholic ... would the priest them be permitted to rat on me? Inquiring minds wanna know. cn

Anyone can confess, even if not confirmed. The priest is only a mediator. It's still between you and god, and the priest has no right to betray you, regardless of your deeds and sins, denomination, or crimes.

cannabineer said:

I wonder ... if I went to confession and one of the sins to which I confessed was impersonating a Catholic ... would the priest them be permitted to rat on me? Inquiring minds wanna know. cn

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You could tell the priest your impersonating an altar boy and have a really nice ass and no underwear on . See what happens .