Hi, Frank -

Of, course I could argue the converse. It isn't just that the Catholic Church has affected a profound change ('takeover') on Ireland - Ireland has also had an unbelievably strong influence on the Catholic Church. This sacrament of private confession that we're talking about, was an Irish innovation.

But back to the law and the church-state conflict. A parallel situation has existed in the United States over the past many years, with regards to immigration laws. Since the early 19th century, many Catholics have immigrated to the United States illegally, and the Catholic Church has given them what protection it can - sometimes legally, and sometimes illegally. A few years ago, the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation that would require churches to report illegal aliens who came to the churches for assistance. By an overwhelming majority (it may even have been unanimous), the American Catholic bishops agreed to issue a statement that they would defy such a law if it were enacted. The legislation didn't make it through the Senate, to the issue was moot. So, there's a recent precedent. I think that the Irish Catholic bishops will also agree to defy this law that attempts to negate the seal of confession. I can't see how they could do otherwise.

In recent years, various government entities in the United States have enacted laws that require medical and mental health practitioners to report suspicions of child abuse or molestation to legal authorities. This legislation is certainly well-intended, but I wonder what counselors and social workers think about this violation of the secrecy of their client-healer relationship. Is it effective, or has it compromised the confidentiality that is so important to mental health treatment? I know that some social workers feel relieved that they now have a law that supports them when they see a need to report child abuse.

But let's say I'm a father, having trouble dealing with my children. I've gotten angry at them, and I've done and said things to them that I shouldn't have. I don't really know if what I've done is illegal, but I know I need help to get out of this cycle of anger. I know I need help, but I now have to fear that if I say the wrong thing, my counselor will be obliged to report me to the police. What can I do?

It's a thorny question, and there are no easy answers.

-Joe-