If a murderer confesses to a priest, why does the priest not tell anyone?
by 
Adam Buckley
ANSWERS: 2
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A murderer doesn't actually confess TO a priest... (s)he confesses THROUGH a priest. As the dialogue is between God and the criminal the priest doesn't have the right to tell the authorities. As an arbiter, the priest can only stongly advise the criminal to go to the police, Remember that the confessional is there to help the individual seek forgiveness from God... or else end up in Hell. This is the priest's concern... the crim's life after death. If the priest 'turns him/her in' then the crim cannot atone and not be able to get into Heaven... it's upto the criminal to do what is right in order to start on the journey towards salvation, not for the priest tpo deny him/her that opportunity.
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Kind of good answer through Jan but, The priest is sworn not to reveal any confession or he will be ex-communicated he tells the criminal to go to the authorities and confess before he can be absolved if he doesn't his sins are not forgiven
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