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Wondering Wilma wrote:

Hi, guys —

I have been wondering for quite a while if there are limits to what God will forgive.

  • For example, if a person that sexually assaults someone, goes to Confession and admits to their actions, will God forgive them?
  • Does the priest have an obligation to turn them into authorities after he confesses this crime?

Thanks,

Wilma

  { If a person sexually assaults someone, will God forgive them, and must the priest tell the police? }

Paul replied:

Dear Wilma,

There is no limit to God's mercy and forgiveness to the penitent who is sincerely sorry.

Christ's sacrifice is infinitely bigger than any sins we could commit but the person has to be genuinely sorry.

The priest can suggest, or try to persuade the penitent to go to the civil authorities, but will not turn them in himself.

The seal of secrecy in Confession is taken very seriously by the Catholic Church.

Peace,

Paul

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