The debate is about ultimate authority and influence. As a Catholic, I have been told not to bring cell phones into confessionals for privacy. In communist Poland (per biography of John Paul II), codes had to be set up for confessions because the police bugged the confessionals trying to uncover rebels or get something for blackmail. The more socialist a nation, the more restrictions placed on religious freedom. Religions teach that God gave rights to humanity that governments cannot take away. It was the Christian ideal referenced in the Declaration of Independence when stating our 'inalienable rights' 'endowed by our Creator.'
Practically, the law would have little impact because it is an unenforceable law. Today, most confessions are still done inside the private confessionals with a screen between the priest and the penitent. The priest is seated sideways, facing the wall with his ear to the individual. Priests often reassure the nervous that they do not see/know individuals and rarely recall the content of individual confessions. Normally, criminal activity brought to confession requires a priest to insist on reparation as restitution for any damage and/or reporting to civil authorities before absolution is valid. In reality, murderers and pedophiles only run to priests in movies. Watch any true crime and it is rare to see sorrow for sin -- lies and finger-pointing are more likely.
The debate is about ultimate authority and influence. As a Catholic, I have been told not to bring cell phones into confessionals for privacy. In communist Poland (per biography of John Paul II), codes had to be set up for confessions because the police bugged the confessionals trying to uncover rebels or get something for blackmail. The more socialist a nation, the more restrictions placed on religious freedom. Religions teach that God gave rights to humanity that governments cannot take away. It was the Christian ideal referenced in the Declaration of Independence when stating our 'inalienable rights' 'endowed by our Creator.'
Practically, the law would have little impact because it is an unenforceable law. Today, most confessions are still done inside the private confessionals with a screen between the priest and the penitent. The priest is seated sideways, facing the wall with his ear to the individual. Priests often reassure the nervous that they do not see/know individuals and rarely recall the content of individual confessions. Normally, criminal activity brought to confession requires a priest to insist on reparation as restitution for any damage and/or reporting to civil authorities before absolution is valid. In reality, murderers and pedophiles only run to priests in movies. Watch any true crime and it is rare to see sorrow for sin -- lies and finger-pointing are more likely.