Protect Children, Not Predators: Oppose Trump’s Clergy Abuse Shield

I am outraged by President Trump’s recent decision to block Washington state’s law that would have required clergy to report child sexual abuse—even when it is admitted in the confessional. This is a catastrophic failure of leadership that will put countless children at risk and embolden predators hiding behind religious institutions. Let’s speak plainly: defending the “right” of clergy to conceal child rape is not religious freedom—it is state-sanctioned complicity. It is morally indefensible and anti-Christian in every possible way. The Catholic Church’s history of rampant, systemic sexual abuse is well-documented, as is its shameful record of silence and cover-ups. President Trump’s action effectively hands abusers a shield and tells survivors that their pain is less important than institutional secrecy. Jesus didn’t protect abusers. He defended the vulnerable. A true Christian would never prioritize a confessional booth over the safety of a child. Anyone who fails to report child abuse is not acting out of spiritual duty—they are aiding and abetting criminals. President Trump’s choice to protect predators rather than children is not just immoral—it’s a direct violation of the basic decency we expect from any public servant, especially one who claims to represent Christian values. I am asking you, as my elected representative, to stand up against this betrayal of justice. Speak out against the President’s decision. Support mandatory reporting laws that apply to everyone, including clergy. And make it clear that no person, no institution, and no religion is above the law when it comes to protecting children. Silence is complicity. Action is the only acceptable response.