The bishops of Washington filed a lawsuit Thursday challenging a new state law that requires priests to violate the seal of confession if they suspect the abuse of minors.

The May 29 lawsuit argues that the new law violates First Amendment religious freedom protections, as well as the Equal Protection Clause of the 14^th Amendment and the Washington constitution.

“Confession offers the faithful a confidential space to seek God’s mercy and guidance. This trust is sacred, and any law that jeopardizes it risks discouraging those who recognize the harm they have caused from seeking moral guidance,” said Jean Hill, executive director of the Washington Catholic Conference, in a statement.

The suit argues that the law constitutes religious discrimination, because it demands that priests violate the norms of the Catholic Church to adhere to the reporting requirements, while at the same time explicitly exempting multiple other groups from those requirements.

It accuses the new legislation of “[p]utting clergy to the choice between temporal criminal punishment and eternal damnation, interfering with the internal governance and discipline of the Catholic Church, and targeting religion for the abrogation of all privileges.”

According to the lawsuit, the three Catholic dioceses in Washington have abuse reporting policies which “go beyond what Washington law requires,” with the sole exemption of information learned in the sacrament of confession.”

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Washington Gov. Robert Ferguson signed a law May 2 making clergy members mandated reporters, who are required to report suspected child abuse. The law does not allow for an exemption if knowledge of the suspected abuse arises through the sacrament of confession.

The legislation was approved by a vote of 64-31 in the House and 28-20 in the Senate. It goes into effect in July.

Several earlier attempts to pass similar legislation had failed in the state of Washington, because of concerns over religious freedom regarding the failure to exempt information learned in the confessional.

In the Catholic Church, priests may not divulge anything revealed in the sacrament of confession, for any reason — and if they do so, they suffer the canonical penalty of excommunication, a serious sanction in the Church.

Canon law states that: “The sacramental seal is inviolable; therefore, it is a crime for a confessor in any way to betray a penitent by word or in any other manner or for any reason … A confessor who directly violates the seal of confession incurs an automatic (latae sententiae) excommunication reserved to the Apostolic See.”

Bishops from Washington’s three dioceses have been united in their opposition to the legislation, emphasizing that priests cannot and will not follow its demands.

Archbishop Paul Etienne of Seattle said in a statement earlier this month that the bishops of Washington had requested a meeting with Ferguson to discuss their concerns, but that the governor did not respond to their request.

Thursday’s lawsuit was filed on behalf of the bishops of Washington’s three dioceses, as well as several priests in the state, by the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, the non-profit First Liberty Institute, and the WilmerHale law firm.

The Archdiocese of Seattle and the Dioceses of Yakima and Spokane have all adopted “policies that go further in the protection of children than the current requirements of Washington law on reporting child abuse and neglect,” the lawsuit says.

Those policies include reporting requirements for both clergy and lay employees who have reasonable cause to suspect child abuse or neglect.

“The sole exception to this self-imposed reporting requirement—based on more than 2,000 years of Church doctrine—is information learned by a priest only in the confessional and thus protected by the sacramental confessional seal,” the suit argues.

At the same time, the state has maintained and even expanded exemptions from mandatory reporting requirements for certain non-clergy members, the lawsuit says, including lawyers and spouses.

It points to language in the law which specifies, “Except for members of the clergy, no one shall be required to report under this section when he or she obtains the information solely as a result of a privileged communication.”

“Non-clergy supervisors continue to be afforded exemptions when child abuse and neglect is learned about through attorney-client, spousal, domestic partner, or other privileged communications. That includes non-clergy supervisors within youth sports organizations, youth scouting organizations, and any number of other organizations who regularly come into contact with children,” the lawsuit adds.

Those exemptions make it clear that the new law is targeting religion in an unconstitutional manner, the lawsuit argues.

Many U.S. states include clergy members among mandatory reporters, but nearly all other states exempt information revealed in confession.

In 2016, the Louisiana Supreme Court ruled that priests could not be forced by law to violate the seal of confession in order to report alleged abuse.

On May 5, the U.S. Department of Justice announced that it was launching an investigation into “the apparent conflict between Washington State’s new law with the free exercise of religion under the First Amendment, a cornerstone of the United States Constitution.”

ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – According to Rochester Public Schools (RPS), Century High School was placed in a hold for approximately 40 minutes on Wednesday.

RPS describes a hold as being a protocol for when hallways need to be kept clear of occupants. Staff should lock the door and account for students, but both students and staff do business as usual otherwise.

Rochester police responded to the situation while learning continued as normal in the classrooms. The Rochester Police Department (RPD) said officers dealt with a “disorderly student.”

The hold has since been lifted, and RPS assured all students and staff are safe.

This story will update with any new potential information as it becomes available.

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Copyright 2025 KTTC. All rights reserved.

Rome High School is offering several sports camps this summer, allowing elementary and middle school-aged students a chance to polish up their skills at several sports while being coached by high school coaches and players.

Soccer is playing host to two camps for boys and girls. The first camp is set for June 9 to 13. The second camp is scheduled for July 7 to 11. Both camps will be held at Rome High School’s upper field from 6 to 8 p.m. each day. The camp is for kids in grades kindergarten through eighth. Registration is $60 and includes a t-shirt. For more information or to register, please email Edison Puccio at [email protected].

The track and field camp will be June 9 and 10 at the Rome High School lower field track from 4 to 6 p.m. both days. The camp is for kids in grades kindergarten through eighth. Registration costs $60 and includes a t-shirt. For more information or to register, please email Kelly Carter at [email protected].

Wrestling camp will be held June 16 and 17 in the wrestling room at the College and Career Academy from 9 a.m. to noon both days. The camp is for kids in grades kindergarten through eighth. Registration is $40 and includes a t-shirt. For more information or to register, please contact Cody Amos at [email protected].

Baseball camp is set for June 16 and 17 at the Rome High School baseball field from 8 a.m. to noon on both days. The camp is for kids in grades kindergarten through eighth. Registration is $50 and includes a t-shirt. For more information or to register, please contact Trevor Proctor at [email protected].

Girls basketball camp is set for June 23 to 26 from 8 a.m. to noon at the Rome High School main gym. The camp is for kids in grades kindergarten through eighth. Registration is $60 and includes a t-shirt. For more information or to register, please contact Jared Hughes at [email protected].

Softball camp is set for June 26 and 27 from 8 a.m. to noon at the Rome High School softball field. Registration is $50 and includes a t-shirt. For more information or to register, please contact Trevor Proctor at [email protected].

Boys basketball camp is set for July 8 to 10 from 8:30 a.m. to noon in the Rome High School main gym. The camp is for kids in grades kindergarten through sixth. Registration is $60 and includes a t-shirt and a basketball. For more information or to register, please contact Dawson Wehunt at [email protected].

Volleyball camp is set for July 8 to 10 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Rome High School main gym. The camp is for kids in grades third through eighth. Registration is $50 and includes a t-shirt and snack. For more information or to register, please contact Devon Grendow at [email protected].

Cheerleading camp is set for July 14 and 15 in Rome High School’s east gym from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. both days. The camp is for kids in grades pre-kindergarten through fifth. Registration is $45 and includes a t-shirt and a snack, or $60 and includes a t-shirt, snack, and a bow. For more information or to register, please contact Bianca Griffin at [email protected].

STANDISH, Maine – Looking to sharpen your skills, explore a college campus, and enjoy summer on the shores of Sebago Lake? Saint Joseph’s College of Maine is excited to announce a full slate of 2025 Summer Sports Camps designed for athletes of all levels and interests. From youth development clinics to elite prospect experiences, there’s something for everyone.

Check out the full lineup below and register today!

Monks Baseball Prospect Camp

Date: Sunday, August 24th, 2025

Ages: 15 – 19

Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Cost: $125

Register: Click here

The Saint Joseph’s College Baseball Instructional Prospect Camps are open to any high school player aged 15-19, who is focused on playing baseball at the next level. The clinics are staffed by Head Coach Will Sanborn, his assistant coaches, alumni and players. Players will experience instruction in a format very similar to a college practice session. The clinics will include instruction in hitting, throwing, fielding, base running, and pitching.

Monks Men’s Soccer Prospect Camp

Date: Sunday, August 2nd, 2025

Ages: 15 – 18, Boys

Time: 8:30 AM – 4:15 PM

Cost: $75

Register: Click here

Monks Soccer Camps will host a Prospect Camp on Sunday, August 2nd, from 8:30 AM to 4:15 PM for prospective high school students at its campus on Sebago Lake in southern Maine. The event offers prospective students a chance to tour the Standish campus, attend information sessions on the application process and financial aid, enjoy lunch and have the opportunity to learn more about one of the more than 40 majors and programs offered.

The camp is staffed by Head Coach Will Pike, his assistant coaches, alumni and players. Players will experience instruction in a format very similar to a college practice session – allowing them to experience a practice structured at a higher level. The camp will include instruction in warm-up, possession, and an inner squad scrimmage.

Saint Joseph’s College of Maine Track & Field Camp

Dates: July 8th – 11th, 2025

Ages: 13 – 18 (rising 9th – 12th graders)

Commuter Cost: $300

Residential Cost: $470

Register: Click here

Join us at one of the nicest Track and Field Facilities in New England where Camp Athletes will learn about Power, Strength, Technique, and Endurance through discussion, demonstration, and practice. The week  will be filled with opportunities to explore and focus on various track and field events – including sprints, distance, hurdles, jumps, and throws – of their choice.

We recommend that each participant choose at least 2 or 3 different events.

Youth Summer Field Hockey Clinic

Dates: Tuesdays – June 17, 24 & July 1, 8, 15, 22

Grades: K – 8

Time: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM

Cost: $60

Register: Click here

Join the SJC coaching staff, on their home turf, to learn skills, concepts, and have fun playing field hockey. The clinic is open to players of any level.

Saint Joseph’s Women’s Lacrosse Summer Clinic

Date: Friday, July 25th, 2025

Grades: 9 – 12

Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Tour: 12:00 PM – 12:45 PM)

Cost: $30

Register: Click here

The Saint Joseph’s College Lacrosse Prospect Camps are open to any high school player, who is focused on playing lacrosse at the next level or looking to improve their skills!  The Clinic will include small sided drills and live scrimmage play. This is also a great opportunity to visit our beautiful college campus and meet the Saint Joseph’s women’s lacrosse coaching staff . An optional campus tour will also be provided following our clinic. You could also choose to jump in the Sebago Lake at our waterfront access on campus to cool off!

This clinic features high-intensity, small-sided drills and live scrimmage play to sharpen your game and showcase your talent.

There will also be a chance to explore our beautiful lakeside campus, connect with our coaching staff, and play lacrosse!  After the clinic, you may take an optional guided campus tour — or cool off with a refreshing dip in Sebago Lake, just steps away from our athletic facilities.

Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to grow your game and discover what makes Saint Joseph’s College a special place to play lacrosse and learn!

Volleyball Elite College Prospect Clinic

Date: Sunday, July 20th, 2025

Grades: 9 – 12, Girls

Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Cost: $75

Register: Click here

This Elite Level Prospect Camp is intended for strong players in high school who are focused on playing college volleyball at a competitive level.  This is not a good fit for beginners. 

Spend the day with Head Coach Jon Roberts, Assistant Coaches Tori Huntley & Jamie Jannarone (current SJC volleyball players may be available TBD).  Experience a FUN, supportive, and competitive training environment on the beautiful campus of Saint Joseph’s College, located right on the shore of Sebago Lake.

Players will experience instruction in the same format as a college training session. The camp will include technical drills, small sided games, and fun competitive play. 

Also enjoy lunch, a Question & Answer session, optional campus tour, time at the lake for a swim, and the opportunity to speak to our coaches about your college goals.

Monks Youth Sports Camp

Dates: Monday, July 21st – Thursday, July 24th, 2025

Ages: 6 – 13

Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Location: Alfond Center, Saint Joseph’s College

Cost: $285 (Add-ons: Early Drop-Off $25, Late Pick-Up $25, Both $40)

Register: Click here

The Monks Sports Camp will be conducted on the beautiful campus of Saint Joseph’s College. The Monks Sports Camp is designed to provide children with the opportunity to experience a wide range of sports.  Through games, competitions, and challenges geared to the individual ability levels, campers learn skills for multiple sports, gain self-confidence and acquire a love of sports to match their talents and interests. Counselors are selected with extreme care.  They reflect outstanding teaching ability and the desire to help develop campers into good citizens.

Don’t miss your chance to train, compete, and explore with the Monks this summer! Spots are limited—secure yours today!