CNN reports that Ireland stepped up its battle with the Roman Catholic Church over child abuse Sunday. Justice Minister Alan Shatter vowed to pass a law requiring priests to report suspicions of child abuse, even if they learn about them in confession. Information learned in confession has always been treated confidentially, but if such a law is passed, priests could be prosecuted for failing to tell the police about crimes disclosed in the confession box. Shatter believes the culture of private confession "has led sexual predators into believing that they have impunity and facilitated pedophiles preying on children and destroying their lives." Meanwhile, the Vatican recently rejected Irish accusations that Church leaders sought to cover up sexual abuse of children by priests in Ireland. The rift opening between the Vatican and Ireland is being called "unprecedented."
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