Christianity

Catholic Church to Excommunicate Priests Who Follow New State Law

MAY 12 2025·Updated MAY 13 2025

Story

Above: Washington state Gov. Bob Ferguson at the Seattle Convention Center on Nov. 5, 2024. Image credit: Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Contributor/Getty Images News via Getty Images

The Facts

The Catholic Archdiocese of Seattle, Washington, comprising 160 priests and 90 permanent deacons, has warned that any priest who complies with a new state law by breaking the seal of confession will face immediate excommunication from the Catholic Church.
Kptv
New York Post
CBS News
The legislation, which requires clergy to report child abuse disclosed during confessions, was signed by Gov. Bob Ferguson on Friday, making it mandatory for all religious leaders to report such incidents without exemption for confessional privilege.
CBS News
New York Post
The Department of Justice launched a civil rights investigation into the law, with Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon declaring that it potentially violates First Amendment protections and characterizing it as "anti-Catholic" legislation.
New York Post
CBS News
While most U.S. states require clergy to report suspected child abuse, Washington joins only a handful of states that do not provide exemptions for information obtained through confession, marking a significant departure from traditional religious protections.
Foxnews
The New York Times
The law, set to take effect on July 27, emerged from earlier failed attempts and was championed by State Senator Noel Frame, who emphasized the legislature's duty to end cycles of abuse and ensure children receive help when needed.
CBS News
Newsweek
The Seattle Archdiocese maintains its commitment to reporting abuse discovered outside confession while arguing the law violates constitutional protections for religious establishment and free exercise of religion.
CBS News
Foxnews

Sources Split

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The Spin

Narrative A

This law will protect Washington's children and not attack the Church. It closes a loophole, mandating that clergy report child abuse and aligning them with other responsible adults. Supported by survivors, religious leaders, and child welfare groups, it ensures kids' safety, accountability, and justice.

Catholic Accountability Project

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Narrative B

By forcing priests to break the Seal of Confession, this law undermines religious freedom, targeting Catholic clergy while sparing other professionals, like attorneys. It risks jailing priests for upholding the most sacred of vows, which violates both canon law and constitutional protections. This law is solely political, not about protecting children.

LifeSite