Arizona House Bill 2039, proposed by Rep. Stacy Travers (D), threatens Catholic priests with a felony for refusing to divulge sins confessed to them in the confessional. Under the false pretext of protecting sexual abuse vicitms, this bill would weaponize confession and turn it into an instrument of the State. Potential punishments include fines of up to $150,000 and up to two years in prison!
Although this sounds like a story from the Soviet era, the sad reality is that the Church is facing bitter persecution in the United States in 2026.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church is clear:
“Given the delicacy and greatness of this ministry and the respect due to persons, the Church declares that every priest who hears confessions is bound under very severe penalties to keep absolute secrecy regarding the sins that his penitents have confessed to him. He can make no use of the knowledge that confession gives him about penitents’ lives. This secret, which admits of no exceptions, is called the ‘sacramental seal,’ because what the penitent has made known to the priest remains ‘sealed’ by the sacrament.” [Emphasis added]
As Catholics, we do not have a choice. We must oppose this bill in any way we can. If we remain silent, anti-Catholic forces will win this battle and start to persecute priests in other states.
Please use the form on this page to join the battle for Confession. Your support is not just ideal… it is indispensable.
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