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    Fr. Joseph Jenkins

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Should We Be Specific in Confession?

Posted on January 18, 2014 by Father Joe

QUESTION:  If one confesses to the mortal sin of looking at pornography but refrained from mentioning that it was of the homosexual kind, did the penitent commit still another sin? What if he was afraid that the priest would look upon him differently?

ANSWER:  The person should probably be more specific, but given doubt and fear, confessing to the sin of pornography was probably sufficient. People should not be afraid of their priests.  A rule of thumb is to confess “species and number.”

Filed under: Catholic, Confession, Homosexuality, Questions, Sexuality, Sin |

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2 Responses

  1. Bob's avatar
    Bob, on January 24, 2014 at 4:36 pm said:

    Fr. Joe: Peace to you , When it comes to confession I should know this but I don’t.. Do you as a Priest have to report crimes heard in the confessional. I’m talking major felonies not speeding on the highways.

    FATHER JOE: No, the priest is forbidden to do so. Everything falls under the seal. All sins, crimes or not, are secret and the priest would be excommunicated if he broke the seal.

  2. Jessica's avatar
    Jessica, on January 24, 2014 at 3:31 pm said:

    This is a very compassionate answer. Priests are called to be just like Christ in the Confessional. Sounds as though you are nailing it, Father Joe!

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