Bishops Sue Washington Over Law That Would Force Them To Violate the Sanctity of Confession in Child Abuse Cases The measure, signed by the governor, could lead to clergy being excommunicated, fined ...

Washington’s leading Catholic bishops filed a lawsuit Thursday contending the new state law requiring religious leaders to report child abuse or neglect, even when it is disclosed in confession ...

In July, a judge temporarily blocked the Washington state law from going into effect while the court case proceeded.

The bishops of Washington’s lawsuit filed on Thursday argues that the new law violates First Amendment protections, the 14th Amendment’s equal protection clause, and Washington’s constitution.

Bishops in Washington’s three Catholic dioceses announced Thursday that they will sue the state over a law signed by Democratic Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson on May 2, requiring priests to break ...

The Department of Justice had lent its support to Catholic leaders who said the new law would force them to choose between ...

CNA Staff, Jun 17, 2025 / 11:16 am A group of Orthodox churches has joined the Catholic bishops of Washington state in suing the government over its requirement that clergy either violate the seal ...

Washington’s leading Catholic bishops filed a lawsuit Thursday contending the new state law requiring religious leaders to report child abuse or neglect, even when it is disclosed in confession ...