In a resounding defense of religious liberty and the sacred rights of the Church, U.S. District Court Chief Judge David Estudillo has blocked Washington state’s dangerous attempt to violate one of the most sacred traditions in the Catholic faith—the inviolable Seal of Confession.
This is not just a legal battle. This is spiritual warfare disguised as lawfare. And on Friday, truth and justice prevailed.
At the heart of this conflict is SB 5375, a Washington state law that sought to compel Catholic priests to break the Seal of Confession—a sacred, centuries-old vow that no priest can violate under any circumstance, not even under threat of prison. The law was scheduled to take effect on July 27. But thanks to the courage of three Catholic bishops—Archbishop Paul Etienne of Seattle, Bishop Joseph Tyson of Yakima, and Bishop Thomas Daly of Spokane—the Church stood firm.
And the court listened.
Judge Estudillo granted a preliminary injunction, halting the law’s enforcement. In his 25-page ruling, he affirmed that forcing priests to disclose what is heard in the confessional is a clear violation of the First Amendment and would place priests in an impossible position: either obey God or obey Caesar.
“There is no question that SB 5375 burdens Plaintiffs’ free exercise of religion,” Estudillo wrote. “The implications of violating the Sacramental Seal are more serious still.”
Let that sink in. The state of Washington was prepared to criminalize priests simply for practicing their faith.
The Seal of Confession isn’t optional. It’s absolute. Any priest who breaks it is automatically excommunicated. And yet this law would’ve demanded exactly that—or else face jail time, fines, and civil lawsuits.
And the hypocrisy is stunning. While priests were being targeted, attorneys working in universities were granted exemptions under House Bill 1171. So secular professionals can maintain confidentiality with their clients, but priests cannot with their penitents?
This wasn’t about protecting children. It was about punishing the Church. And it’s part of a growing trend to erode religious liberty under the guise of justice.
Make no mistake—Catholics abhor abuse. The Church has paid dearly for its past failures. But violating the Sacrament of Confession doesn’t prevent abuse. It destroys the one place where repentance, healing, and accountability before God can begin.
Mark Rienzi, president of Becket Law, which represented the bishops, said it best:
“By protecting the Seal of Confession, the court has also safeguarded the basic principle that people of all faiths should be free to practice their beliefs without government interference.”
Indeed. The ruling wasn’t just for Catholics. It was for every American who values freedom of religion.
Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson, a self-described Catholic, shamefully supported the law and criticized the Church for standing up for its rights. That is betrayal, not leadership.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Justice has entered the legal battle on the side of the bishops—proof that this case has national implications. Other religious groups, including the Orthodox Church of America, are also fighting similar legal assaults.
This case is far from over, but Friday’s ruling sends a clear message:
The confessional is sacred. The government has no place there.
This is a victory for the Constitution, for religious liberty, for the Catholic Church, and for anyone who believes that no government should be allowed to rewrite sacred doctrine to fit its political agenda.
Catholics must remain vigilant. The enemies of faith are relentless, and the battlefield is now the courtroom. But with faith, courage, and righteous conviction, we will not be moved.
This is lawfare. And this time, the faithful fought back—and won.
Your support brings the truth to the world.
Catholic Online News exists because of donors like you. We are 100% funded by people who believe the world deserves real, uncensored news rooted in faith and truth — not corporate agendas. Your gift ensures millions can continue to access the news they can trust — stories that defend life, faith, family, and freedom.
When truth is silenced, your support speaks louder.
