A Catholic Priest and a Child Abuser Sit Down in a Confessional

No this isn't the start of a joke.

A Catholic priest and a child abuser sit down in a confessional…

(No, this isn’t the start of a joke.)

There Are Clergy Fighting to Protect the Privacy of Abusers

This is a window into a harrowing reality in five states—Washington, Alaska, Maryland, South Dakota, and New York—where clergy are not legally required to report child abuse or neglect.

In these states, if a child abuser were to sit down in a confessional and admit to abusing a child, the priest would have no legal obligation to report that crime to the authorities. Washington, for example, explicitly grants clergy-penitent privilege, which limits mandatory reporting in the context of pastoral communications.

One might hope that even without an expressed legal mandate, religious leaders would take action to protect children in danger. However, some actually argue that reporting abuse confessed in the sacred space of the confessional would violate the tenets of their faith.

Frank Schuster, Auxiliary Bishop for the Archdiocese of Seattle, articulated this perspective during a Washington State Senate public hearing in January. Lawmakers, survivors, and advocates gathered to push for Senate Bill 5375—a bill that seeks to eliminate the clergy-penitent privilege exemption and require religious leaders to report any knowledge of child abuse or neglect. Schuster was there to oppose it. He stated:

“The rite of penance is the term ‘rite.’ It indicates it’s a liturgy. It's an act of worship. It's prayer for us. The seal of confession is essential to the rite because the penitent has the right to confess their sins without worrying their sins will become public. The penalty for breaking that seal is excommunication.”

Religious Tradition Is Not More Valuable Than Children

Senator Noel Frame has introduced Senate Bill 5375 to address this troubling loophole. The proposed legislation would make clergy mandatory reporters—with no exceptions for what’s said during religious confession.

During my conversation with Senator Frame on March 11, 2025, she emphasized that protecting children must take precedence over preserving religious traditions.

Frame explained how Washington State case law supports her position: "We have case law here in Washington State that has previously taken up mandated reporter laws as they relate to religious institutions and found that where the legislature has a secular legislative purpose, it avoids issues flagged around entanglement with religious liberty." She added: "The protection of children is of the utmost importance for the state."

Frame also addressed resistance from religious communities: "Many religious groups focus so much on the perpetrator’s rights—to seek penance and forgiveness—but this isn’t about the perpetrator at all. It’s about protecting kids."

Why Mandatory Reporting Matters

Senator Frame’s advocacy is deeply personal. As a survivor of childhood sexual abuse herself, she shared how her own experience shaped her commitment to mandatory reporting laws. "It was me telling a teacher that ultimately helped stop the abuse," she revealed during our conversation. "Kids who rely on religious leaders as their trusted adults should also have comfort in knowing those adults will help them if they ask for help."

Frame first introduced this bill three years ago after investigative reporting highlighted how certain religious practices—such as those within Jehovah's Witnesses—prevent leaders from reporting abuse due to their interpretation of doctrine. Her personal connection to this issue has fueled her determination to push SB 5375 forward despite resistance.

Things Could Change Very Soon

With SB 5375 scheduled for a hearing in Washington’s House Committee on March 14, 2025, Senator Frame expressed optimism about its chances of passing this year. She noted that an identical version of this bill passed out of committee earlier with bipartisan support and encouraged constituents to voice their support through Washington’s legislative system.

For those outside Washington State who want to support similar efforts, Frame emphasized sharing personal stories with lawmakers: "Personal stories are always very impactful," she said. "They show why this issue matters on an individual level."

The Question We Must Answer as a Society

For five states in this country, clergy remain exempt from reporting child abuse—a loophole that leaves vulnerable children unprotected. Senate Bill 5375 represents a crucial step toward accountability and justice for survivors. It acknowledges that no institution should be above the law when it comes to safeguarding children.

The question remains: Who do we seek to protect first? The abuser—or the child seeking safety?

For lawmakers in Washington State and across America, it’s time to answer clearly.