As a Catholic and a Washington resident, I am not just concerned about the recent law that would force priests to break the seal of confession. I am seeing a pattern. One that shows our state government has become increasingly hostile to Christian belief.
We are told SB 5280 is about protecting children. But it is not. SB 5280 is just another notch in the post of a Washington state government tradition to persecute Christian communities. The seal of confession has been respected for thousands of years. Even in times of war or under brutal regimes, it was protected. Now, our state demands priests choose between obeying God or obeying Olympia.
This is not the first time Christian beliefs have been under attack here.
Barronelle Stutzman was taken to court and nearly lost everything because she would not use her gifts to celebrate a same-sex wedding (Arlene's Flowers Inc. v. Washington, Case No. 91615-2).
Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission was dragged into legal battles because they wanted to hire staff who shared their faith (Seattle's Union Gospel Mission v. Woods, Case No. 96132-8).
A Christian counselor, Brian Tingley, was silenced by the state when he tried to offer spiritual guidance that aligned with his beliefs (Tingley v. Ferguson, Case No. 21-35815).
A church in Kirkland was told they had to pay for abortion coverage in their employee health care (Cedar Park Assembly of God v. Kreidler, Case Nos. 23-35560 and 23-35585).
And a student lost his state scholarship because he chose to pursue ministry (Locke v. Davey, 540 U.S. 712).
Now the state is targeting confession. What is next?
I am not exaggerating when I say these are not isolated incidents. When the same hand keeps reaching into churches, into homes, into private vows between a soul and God, it is not a coincidence. It is a pattern.
Washington’s leaders need to take a hard look in the mirror. We can protect children and also protect faith. But that is not what this law is doing. And it is time Christians speak up and say it clearly. The government is not neutral anymore.
Daniel Echtle
Toledo
