SB 360 seeks to protect children from abuse and neglect, which is an intent we strongly support. However, the bill seeks to do this by violating the right to confidential Confession for priests and tens of thousands of Catholics who work with priests in parishes and other Church agencies and ministries.
Archbishop Gomez and every parish in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, is asking all Catholics and people of good will to voice our opposition to SB 360. Any law that violates the freedom of religion is wrong. Any government interference in the free practice of religion hurts all religions and all people of faith.
The weekend of June 15/16 is Father’s Day weekend. What better time to thank our Heavenly Father for the gift of his love and grace in the sacrament of Confession. And, what better day to stand with our priests, our “fathers”, to support their right to Confession and support them in keeping the seal of Confession for all of us!
