The Catholic Church in England and Wales has stated that it will “carefully study” the contents of a national report on sexual abuse, which recommends that reporting abuse to the police be made mandatory, even if perpetrators confess to child abuse to a priest during confession.
After seven years of investigation and evidence gathering, the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse published its report on October 20.
The IICSA examined a number of significant organizations and institutions and concluded that “the investigation into the Roman Catholic Church in England and Wales revealed a dreadful history of child sexual abuse where abusive priests and members of religious orders and institutions preyed on children for extended periods.”
“Neither the freedom of religion or belief nor the rights of parents with regard to the education of their children can ever justify the ill-treatment of children or prevent government authorities from taking measures necessary to protect children from harm,” the report states, outlining a strategy for preventing further abuse. The Inquiry therefore believes that mandatory reporting as outlined in this report should be an absolute requirement, with no exceptions based on confidentiality, religious, or other grounds.”
Following the report’s release, the Catholic Council for the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse issued a cautious statement in which it welcomed the report, offered “unreserved apologies to victims,” and pledged to “carefully examine its contents and recommendations.” However, there was no mention of the recommendation regarding mandatory reporting in the statement.
Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster and head of the Catholic Church in England and Wales, told the IICSA in 2019 that the Seal of Confession was sacred. He described it as “an essential aspect of priestly ministry, a link between my sinful humanity and God’s mercy.” And I would absolutely defend the confessional seal.”
In addition, he made it clear that mandatory reporting would break this seal, and that the Bishops of England and Wales would oppose any efforts to enact such a law. He reminded the Inquiry that a number of Catholics had previously perished defending the Confessional Seal.
In the meantime, the Church of England is evaluating the report’s recommendations regarding mandatory reporting and Confession. Canon law of the Church of England prohibits priests from repeating anything a penitent confesses to them.
Nevertheless, the House of Bishops of the Church of England will now examine the seal of confession in light of IICSA’s recommendations, which could result in their acceptance of its recommendation. They are expected to deliberate on the question for the next 12 months.