Priests can’t be forced to break seal of confession, La. judge rules

Last updated on: March 2, 2016 at 10:02 am by CNA Daily News

Priests can’t be forced to break seal of confession, La. judge rules 2016-03-02T10:02:00+00:00 CNA Daily News

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Baton Rouge, La., Mar 2, 2016 / 03:02 am (CNA/EWTN News).- Louisiana law can’t force Catholic priests to violate the seal of the confessional, a judge in the state reaffirmed on Friday.

State District Judge Mike Caldwell said in court Feb. 26 that a state law requiring clergy to report sex abuse of minors violated a priest’s religious freedom protections for confidential confessions.

The ruling concerns a lawsuit filed by Rebecca Mayeaux, now 22, against Father Jeff Bayhi and the Diocese of Baton Rouge. Mayeaux charges that in 2008, at the age of 14, she told the priest during confession that a 64-year-old parishioner was abusing her. The priest was pastor at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church in Clinton, 35 miles northeast of Baton Rouge.

Her lawsuit charged that the priest was negligent in reporting abuse and that the diocese failed to train him properly in mandatory abuse reporting law. Mayeaux claims that the priest responded to the abuse report by telling her to “sweep it under the floor and get rid of it,” the Associated Press reports.

Fr. Bayhi said that if he revealed anything said in confession, he would face automatic excommunication.

“If we ever violate the seal, it’s over. It’s finished,” he said in court, adding that he would “absolutely not” knowingly violate the seal of confession.

“If that’s not sacred, no one would ever trust us.”

Louisiana law requires clergy to report sexual abuse. Parts of the law grant an exception when abuse allegations are revealed during confidential religious communication such as confession.

However, other parts of the state code require mandatory reporting “notwithstanding any claim of privileged communication,” the New Orleans Advocate reports. Caldwell's ruling struck down the latter requirement.

“We’re just always happy when the court upholds religious liberties,” Fr. Bayhi said when he left the courthouse.

Bishop Robert Muench of Baton Rouge discussed the case in a statement.

“I extend my compassion and offer prayer not only for the plaintiff who may have been harmed by the actions of a man who was not an employee of the church, but also for all who have been abused by anyone,” he said.

Bishop Muench expressed his appreciation of the ruling, adding that “the court's decision to uphold the First Amendment right to the free exercise of religion is essential.”

The ruling can be appealed to the Louisiana Supreme Court.

The judge made other decisions about the lawsuit, ruling that Mayeaux may testify to a jury about what she allegedly told the priest in 2008. However, her attorneys may not argue to the jury that Fr. Bayhi was required by law to report the allegations.

The case had gone to the Louisiana Supreme Court in 2014, which returned it to a lower court to determine more facts in the case.

The lawsuit has not yet gone to trial. The alleged abuser died in 2009. The plaintiff’s attorney said he does not intend to call Fr. Bayhi to testify.

CNA contacted the Diocese of Baton Rouge for comment but did not receive a response by deadline.

Previous Post

March 2, 2016

Denver-based Augustine Institute receives accreditation

Next Post

March 2, 2016 Pope Francis: The Church doesn't need 'dirty money'

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Americas Asia - Pacific Europe Middle East - Africa Uncategorized US Vatican

Select a Month November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

What does Paul say in Colossians has been nailed to the cross?

Select your answer to see how you score.

The written code with its regulations Our sins The old covenant Satan's authority