Priests Held Accountable

It’s difficult to know whom to trust with the most personal of secrets. For many, there is no greater trust than that held by a religious leader, whether that be a minister, rabbi, imam or other. In Catholicism, priests must deal with the problems of the people who come to them in trust, revealing to them their problems, faults and even sins. At times, they are privy to tales of sordid and illicit actions, some of which are considered punishable by the American legal system.

The Massachusetts Senate passed a bill yesterday requiring all clergy and archdiocesan officials to report cases of sexual abuse to authorities. In light of the conviction of former priest John Geoghan on charges of sexually molesting a 10-year-old, this is a step in the right direction. However, there is a thin line that must never be crossed.

The information a priest receives in a confession or counseling session is confidential without exception. However, the second he hears something outside of that office or confessional that is questionable, it is his duty to report it to authorities — just as it is with any United States citizen.

This is an issue that requires a lot of attention. Sexual abuse is inexcusable by anyone, especially a priest, to whom people come for help. While this is a law that could potentially be difficult to enforce, it must be done. Priests known to have committed crimes while wearing the cloth should not be transferred to other churches or ignored, as Geoghan was; they must face the penalties all people would when confronted for such crimes. Aren’t they supposed to be the role models in the first place?

While officials must remain cautious in keeping confidentiality in confessions and counseling sessions, churches must adhere to the standards of the rest of the country. Priests are people, too, and they cannot be excused from illegal actions.