I love the op-ed section of the paper. I believe we all need to write at least one letter on something we’re passionate about in our lifetime. In saying that, I applaud this reader

As a lifelong Catholic, I was raised with the belief that when you sin, this is what is asked of you: In a confessional, confess your sin to a priest, be sorry for that sin, vow to do that sin no more, do the penance the priest gives you and your sin is forgiven. Voilà.

What prevents a perpetrator from going through those steps, feeling forgiven and continuing their ministry until the impulse to abuse someone else comes again?

If confessors feel they are protected by the clergy-penitent privilege, there is no accountability and no ending of the abuse. Confessors should be on the list of mandatory reporters of abuse or neglect like the rest of humanity.

Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness are difficult for an abused person.

Jo Anne Felton, Seattle