Church of England may end secrecy of confession

CHURCH of England bishops are considering abolishing the “Seal of the confessional” over fears it prevents clergy from reporting sex abuse.

Proposals due to be discussed by senior church figures later this year suggest that the longstanding rule of confidentiality could be under threat.

Responding to questions before the twice-yearly meeting of General Synod, due to begin today, Tim Thornton, the Bishop at Lambeth, said there were “differences of view about the retention or abolition of the Seal” among bishops.

The seal of the confession came under scrutiny from the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse amid concerns that priests who had carried out abuse could use it to escape consequences, leaving vulnerable people at risk.

The topic is due to be discussed by various Church of England committees later this year, with a meeting designed to discuss the “pros and cons of retaining the Seal” due to take place in December.

The bishop was responding in writing to a question from the Rev Canon Simon Butler, a London priest, who asked about “the nature of the disagreements” that were holding up the decision.

In May, the diocese of Canterbury was criticised for a policy that requires clergy to warn penitents that if they disclose information relating to abuse, the priest will be obliged to tell the police.

Church of England canon law states that information divulged during confession must be kept secret.

The diocese insisted its guidance did not break this rule, which it said was “intended to advise the penitent not to divulge in confession something which would legally compromise the position of the priest”.

In response to separate questions Stephen Conway, the Bishop of Ely, said the rules had not changed and the “absolute confidentiality” of sins divulged during confession still stood.

Confessions are more commonly carried out in the Catholic Church but also take place in the Church of England.