Archbishop issues new directive on confession in schools

The Archbishop of Melbourne, Denis Hart, has written to priests and school principals asking them to ensure that students taking confession do so in "an open setting in the full view of all participants, who are supervised by staff."

Archbishop Hart wrote: "With the State government's introduction of the Child Safe Standards in Victoria, we are now required to systematically develop, implement, monitor, and evaluate risk management strategies to ensure child safety in all school environments.

"I am asking that you ensure that the Sacrament of Reconciliation in schools is celebrated in a Church in an open setting in the full view of all participants, who are supervised by staff.

"The Parish priest and the school staff responsible for the students should ensure that there is direct line of sight to the individual penitent."

The Archbishop emphasises in the letter that celebration of the sacrament is to remain strongly aligned with the principles of openness and visibility reflected in the National Committee for Professional Standards, Integrity in Ministry (2004), the Archdiocese of Melbourne May Our Children Flourish: Code of Conduct for Caring for Children, and also with the new Child Safe Standards applying in Victoria.