OLYMPIA, Wash. – The State of Washington reached an agreement with Catholic priests and the Department of Justice to allow Catholic priests to maintain secrecy while performing the Sacrament of Confession.

The agreement resolves a lawsuit against the State of Washington regarding SB 5375, “ An act relating to the duty of clergy to report child abuse and neglect .” This bill would require religious leaders to act as mandatory reporters even while in a confidential space, like the Catholic practice of confession.

The Sacrament of Confession dates back to the earliest centuries of the Christian church and involves an individual who confesses their sins to a priest to seek mercy and reconciliation. Priests who perform confession vow never to speak about what they hear during confession

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