Delaware’s House Bill 74 sparks clash over confession secrecy and child protection
The Diocese of Wilmington has opposed House Bill 74 in Delaware, arguing that it would violate the First Amendment and result in automatic excommunication for priests if they disclose communications made during confession. The bill aims to remove the privilege between priests and penitents in sacramental confession regarding child abuse and neglect.
Bishop Christopher J. Coyne of Burlington, Vermont, has previously testified against a similar bill, warning that priests would face excommunication if they disclosed such communications. The Diocese of Wilmington shares this stance, stating that priests are bound to keep the confidence of penitents in the sacrament of reconciliation.
The diocese already requires clergy to report suspected incidents of child abuse to civil authorities, except during the sacrament of confession. Similar legislation has been introduced in Vermont and Utah, with lawmakers in other states also considering measures to require clergy to report child abuse or neglect.
House Bill 74, sponsored by Democratic Rep. Eric Morrison, could be heard by the House Judiciary Committee within the next few weeks. The Diocese of Wilmington, while prioritising the protection of the vulnerable, opposes HB 74 as it would not advance this objective. Bishop Oscar A. Solis of the Salt Lake City Diocese has previously urged Catholics to oppose similar bills, highlighting the importance of the seal of confession in the Catholic faith.
