Catholic bishops in Washington state are pushing back against a new law signed by Democratic Governor Bob Ferguson, arguing it infringes on the sanctity of the confessional and threatens religious freedom.
The law, which takes effect July 26, mandates that clergy report suspected child abuse or neglect—even if the information is revealed during confession, a practice protected by church doctrine under the absolute seal of confidentiality. Violating this seal results in automatic excommunication under Catholic teaching.
Bishop Thomas Daly of Spokane stated that he and his priests are prepared to face jail time rather than break the confessional seal, emphasizing that “the Sacrament of Penance is sacred and will remain that way.” Archbishop Paul Etienne of Seattle echoed this, declaring that clergy must obey God over state law, warning the measure blurs the constitutional line between church and state and sets a dangerous precedent for religious liberty.
The U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division has launched an investigation into whether the law violates First Amendment protections, noting that it uniquely targets clergy by denying them legal privileges afforded to other professionals. Bishop Joseph Tyson of Yakima welcomed the DOJ’s involvement and likened the confessional seal to attorney-client privilege, arguing it fosters moral accountability and, ideally, voluntary engagement with law enforcement.
