Mormon bishops won't be charged in Ariz. sex abuse case despite reported confession

[Bluebear]

PHOENIX - Prosecutors say two Mormon church bishops won't be charged in the sex abuse case involving Susan Brock, the wife of a Maricopa County supervisor.

Brock, the 49-year-old wife of county supervisor Fulton Brock, is serving a 13-year prison sentence for sexual conduct with a teenage boy.

The Arizona Republic reports that Susan Brock told the bishops about sexually abusing the teen, but neither bishop went to the police with the information.

The Mormon church says the bishops acted properly. Officials say a priest can't disclose any confession even when it concerns child abuse.

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504083_162-20065411-504083.html

[sakabatou]

1. WTF?!

[FreeState]

2. This is true of every religion in Arizona, not just Mormons

if someone confesses to a clergy member its considered confidential, even if a crime is being confessed to.

[digonswine]

3. What if a child was about to hang him/herself?

Would not saying anything be proper then? This undue respect for "church practices" or whatever you call it must end. Who says they can't disclose it? Oh, THEY do.

[dsc]

5. that priviledge is pretty sancrosanct

maybe saving a life would be enough to break it but that is about it.

[digonswine]

8. Mental health professionals and others who work w/kids

work under rules where confidentiality is upheld in all circumstances except if there is perceived harm or the possibility thereof-it is a fine line to walk-but we should not give special privs to religious organizations and trust them with their own rules which too often only protect themselves.

[pnwmom]

12. And because of this there are some people who will only talk to a priest,

not to a mental health professional.

But if the person does go to a priest, there is some chance that the priest will be able to persuade him to get help or turn himself in. It's probably only a small chance, but it's better than nothing.

[Angry Dragon]

4. I want to know where it says that in the Bible.........

edit: decided not to add anything

[rfranklin]

6. Waterboarding is in order for them...

if a confession is needed. Dick Cheney and Peter King okayed it.

[pnwmom]

7. There is a reason for the respecting "the seal of the Confessional."

If a guilty person goes to a priest, etc., with a confession, that religious advisor has a chance to talk that person into going the police with that information and taking other appropriate measures. Without the seal of the confessional, the guilty person would likely stay away from the priest, for fear he would be reported.

[Bluebear]

10. So seeing a priest is more important than protecting the child. I see.

[pnwmom]

11. No. Seeing a priest makes it to some degree more likely that a child will be protected.

The priest has to chance to convince the person to get help and turn himself in. Without the seal of the confessional, the person wouldn't talk to the priest at all. It is only because of the vow of confidentiality that any kind of discussion occurs.

[Initech]

9. How many more incidents do we need before we say enough is enough??