Is it a Pastors Obligation.... ?

[Relic]

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I don't attend this church, but I recieve a newsletter from this local church. Here is what this weeks newsletter: Notice the last paragraph. What got me was, I know that pastors get all kinds of confessions from all kinds of people. That is not surprising.....

But, what I would like to know is this;
Should a pastor report to the authorities if they recieve a confession from someone who has committed murder? Isn't that aiding and abetting a criminal if they don't? :-?


Read the newletter and then answer the question I presented here. I'm very curious as to what everyone would have to say on this matter. Thanks.




Newletter August 10, 2005

"Are You a Priest?"
In the Old Testament the priests were called to connect the people to God and God to the people. The Catholic Church is in a major crisis because they can't find enough priests to minister! To become the kind of priest that God is looking for, you don't have to wear black and white and don a clergy collar. God is searching for someone to fill in the "God gaps/voids" in the hearts and lives of the multitudes all around us.

Let's face it, most people today just don't have a "God connect." When the storms of life blow in, people blow up instead of grow up because there is no human bridge to God in their lives. God is calling every true-blue believer to follow in the footsteps of Jesus and be a "God connect" for each and every generation. (Hebrews 4:14)


1. Intercede for Others! The priest is a prayer warrior who never stops standing in the gap for others. God said "I sought for a man...who would make a wall and stand in the gap before Me..." (Ezekiel 22:30) Our prayers can erect a spiritual wall of defense around those the enemy seeks to devour. Only God knows how many didn't get in accidents, didn't die prematurely, didn't become diseased or destroyed because a priest got down on his knees and beseeched the God of Heaven on their behalf. Prayer makes the impossible possible and it builds walls of salvation, healing, and deliverance around those we pray for.
2. Be Extenders of the Scepter of Mercy! In the Old Testament, when people sinned, where did they go? They went to a priest. The Old Testament priest sacrificed an animal and extended God's forgiveness to all who approached Him. Ask yourself a sincere question: Can people in sin approach me? What would they expect if they came to confess everything to you? Would they get a speech, be read the riot act, hear a sermon on hell or be stoned to death? (John 8:1-11) When Jesus had the woman caught in the very act of adultery weeping at His feet, He didn't stone her! He extended the scepter of mercy to her and said, "Neither do I condemn you, go and sin no more."

I have had people literally confess murder to me! Even strangers have poured out their souls to me. Why? Because I'm bound and determined to be a priest who extends the scepter of mercy to people who have lost their way! The Word of God is clear that we have all been called to be kings and priests before God. Let's live our lives to build bridges that connect people to our great God and King!


Have a Jesus-Filled Day,




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What do you think? :-?

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[Relic]

I don't attend this church, but I recieve a newsletter from this local church. Here is what this weeks newsletter: Notice the last paragraph. What got me was, I know that pastors get all kinds of confessions from all kinds of people. That is not surprising.....

But, what I would like to know is this;
Should a pastor report to the authorities if they recieve a confession from someone who has committed murder? Isn't that aiding and abetting a criminal if they don't?

Okay you guys.....

Does anyone have an answer to the inquiry? :smt017


We don't want any pastors to burn in hell for aiding and abetting, now do we? :onfire:


Please, pretty please with sugar on top! Please help me to know if a pastor is exempt from such a thing.


Much aprreciated,
:bday:


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[Joy in the Journey]

I believe that pastors, along with lawyers, doctors and certain counselors have what is called Privileged Communication...that means whatever is discussed between the "client" and the other party is not admissible in court and therefore no duty to disclose is required...in fact, if memory serves me correctly, even spouses have a certain level of privilege that is bound between the two. There are times I'm sure when information can be subpoenaed as in medical records for example...

I'm not a lawyer, but this is my meager understanding of the law ( in Civil America at least ).

God bless,

Tim

 

[Dave...]

Tough call. I think that most times you would want to allow time for the person to turn themselves in. But then again, are we qualified to know whether or not that person is a threat to someone else while we are waiting for them?

I guess in a Catholic church people confess to people, or priests, and would probably feel obligated to lay it all out in every detail, while in a non Catholic church they would confess in prayer, and possibly confide a little in someone. The method could be two fold, keeping themselves out of trouble, and at the same time not giving enough info so as to burden someone with the decision on whether or not to turn them in.

I know my post helped you tremendously. :-D