The Hon Simone McGurk MLA, Minister for Child Safety, called on the Archbishop to support the proposed legislation which would force priests to report information regarding child sexual abuse revealed in the sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession). That is, the Minister called on the Archbishop to signal that the church puts child safety first by supporting the legislation which violates the Seal of Confession.
Archbishop Costelloe has responded with a letter to the Minister (the Premier and the WA Cabinet) which can be read HERE . He points out that he cannot in good conscience support the law and also there is no reason for saying that he (and the Church) do not put child safety first AND conform to centuries of belief and practice of the secrecy of the confessional. It is evident that recent changes have been formulated and carefully put into effect to ensure that children are now safe in the care and support of the church bodies. To say or imply otherwise is malicious.