In the Diocese of Baton Rouge, LA - 5 years ago - a 12-yr old girl allegedly went to Confession and reported to the priest, Fr. Jeff Bayhi, that she was being sexually abused. She reported that he counseled that she remain silent on the matter.
The parents filed suit against Fr. Bayhi and the Diocese of Baton Rouge and are trying to compel Father Bayhi to comment about what the girl said in confession. In other words, they're demanding that he violate the Seal of Confession. The LA Supreme Court is joining in the demand.
Ladies and gentlemen, a priest may never - under any circumstances - divulge what he heard in the Confessional. If he dares to do so, he incurs automatic excommunication, imperiling his own immortal soul. This is nothing more than an attempt to marginalize Catholics as they freely live out their faith.
The Diocese of Baton Rouge has issued their statement. They intend to take this matter to the Supreme Court, if necessary. For now, I'd suggest an immediate cessation to the "face-to-face" option that is currently available in parishes. That was a lousy idea from the get-go.
Saint John Nepomucene, pray for us.
Synodality Against Priesthood
13 hours ago
