Beichtgeheimnis

seal of confession

noun BYKHT-ge-hyme-nis Rare

Usage Note

Beichtgeheimnis is the absolute duty of a Catholic priest to keep secret everything heard in confession. Violation is a grave sin and canonical crime. Widely discussed in legal contexts regarding whether it can be overridden by state law in abuse cases.

Examples

"Der Priester berief sich auf das Beichtgeheimnis und verweigerte jede Aussage."

Natural Translation

The priest invoked the seal of confession and refused to make any statement.

Literal Translation

The priest referred himself on the confession-secret and refused any statement.

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