Prominent Catholic Priest Father Grace previously explored his church’s stance, maintaining the absolute confidentiality of the “seal” of confession no matter the situation.

Griffith Linking Communities Network CEO Yvonne Wilson works extensively with child abuse cases, and has an alternate view despite identifying as a Catholic.

“I can’t see the relevance of confidentiality in the confessional if anyone confesses to participating in child abuse,” she said.

“I have victims of child abuse come through regularly, and it has a devastating effect.”

Ms Wilson says priests are respected leaders of our communities, and therefore have a certain “moral obligation” to report instances of child abuse.

“I would even go so far as to say that if a priest doesn't report it, he should be thrown into the mix too to be prosecuted.”

“Why should the confessional be confidential? We are talking about a criminal offence. Why should an offender be exempt just because they are in a confessional?”

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As a Catholic herself, Yvonne understands first hand being ‘torn’ by the issue, however strongly feels that protecting the children and vulnerable in the community should be the highest of priorities.

“I can recognise that it’s difficult – I have seen both sides, but we are talking about predators sexually abusing children, and no matter the situation, it should not be kept quiet.”

“We see victims of child abuse come through regularly, and it has a devastating effect on children who have been exposed to this abuse. People who are 80 years old and experienced this abuse still to this day wonder why, how, and why wasn’t something done about it, and they are still angry and hurt.

“Anything that we as a community can do to stop that suffering should be done, no matter what.”