As I understand it, the archbishop has always upheld the inviolability of the seal of confession, but offered a diplomatic apology on that occasion for his “clumsy wording,” which was misinterpreted as saying the Church was a law unto itself.
As I understand it, the archbishop has always upheld the inviolability of the seal of confession, but offered a diplomatic apology on that occasion for his “clumsy wording,” which was misinterpreted as saying the Church was a law unto itself.
Thanks for that. The links are dated Oct 2021, though. A misprint in all three?
In any case, in the first one the writer is rightly aghast by that comment. In the last one Karine Dalle, the communications director of the French bishops’ conference is reported to have said that: “There will certainly be some adjustments proposed, which Rome will accept or not. But no, in no case did Archbishop de Moulins-Beaufort say that the seal of confession would be put aside. He never said that.”
From what I read, he did say that. Probably he misspoke, but he did say it.
As I understand it, the archbishop has always upheld the inviolability of the seal of confession, but offered a diplomatic apology on that occasion for his “clumsy wording,” which was misinterpreted as saying the Church was a law unto itself.
Meaning?
Sorry for not expressing myself well. These articles offer a detailed account of the controversy over the archbishop's words:
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/249261/catholic-archbishop-discusses-clumsy-wording-on-confessional-seal-with-french-minister
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/249278/analysis-the-church-in-france-must-uphold-the-confessional-seal
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/249282/france-s-catholic-bishops-will-uphold-confessional-seal-spokeswoman-clarifies
I hope they're helpful.
Thanks for that. The links are dated Oct 2021, though. A misprint in all three?
In any case, in the first one the writer is rightly aghast by that comment. In the last one Karine Dalle, the communications director of the French bishops’ conference is reported to have said that: “There will certainly be some adjustments proposed, which Rome will accept or not. But no, in no case did Archbishop de Moulins-Beaufort say that the seal of confession would be put aside. He never said that.”
From what I read, he did say that. Probably he misspoke, but he did say it.
The report was released (and the bishop’s comments were made) in Oct. 2021.