Catholic Bishops Defy Washington Law Threatening Sacred Confession Seal

In a bold stand against a new Washington state law, Catholic bishops are digging in their heels, vowing to protect the sacred seal of confession—even if it means jail time. Signed by Governor Bob Ferguson, the law mandates clergy to report child abuse or neglect, with no exception for confessions. This clash pits religious freedom against state authority, and the bishops aren’t backing down.

Bishop Thomas Daly of Spokane declared that priests in his diocese will uphold the confidentiality of the sacrament, a cornerstone of Catholic faith. Violating it risks excommunication, a spiritual severance from the Church. Daly emphasized the Church’s zero-tolerance stance on child abuse but insisted the Sacrament of Penance remains untouchable.

Seattle Archbishop Paul Etienne framed it starkly: obey God or the state? Quoting scripture—"We must obey God rather than men"—he argued the law threatens the First Amendment’s core protections. Etienne warned that allowing the state to breach the confessional could open the door to further encroachments on religious practices.

The U.S. Department of Justice has stepped in, launching an investigation into whether the law violates religious liberties. Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon noted it uniquely targets clergy, denying them legal privileges afforded to other professionals. Bishop Joseph Tyson of Yakima welcomed the probe, lamenting the governor’s refusal to discuss the issue.

This isn’t just a legal skirmish—it’s a profound test of where the line between Church and state lies. As the July 26 effective date looms, the bishops’ resolve signals a fight far from over.