Catholic bishops vow to resist blue state law intruding on 'sacred' trust: 'Obey God rather than men'

The Catholic bishops of Washington state are resisting a new law signed by Democratic Governor Bob Ferguson that they say would violate the seal of confession, which would result in excommunication for any priest who complies.

Spokane, Washington, Bishop Thomas Daly released a statement in response to the law in which he said that he and his priests "are committed to keeping the seal of confession – even to the point of going to jail."

The new law, signed last week by Democratic Gov. Bob Ferguson, who is Catholic, added "members of the clergy" to a list of professionals who are required to report information that relates to child abuse or neglect to law enforcement, and the measure does not p...