Seal of the Confessional (Anglicanism)

The Seal of Confession or the Seal of the Confessional is the oath of a priest who has received a confession of a penitent, not to disclose the sins confessed privately to him to other persons outside of the confessional.

The sacramental rite of Confession is offered by priests in the Anglican tradition both during the liturgy, as well as in private in what is called "Auricular Confession". When sins are confessed privately in this way, for the absolution and spiritual development of the penitent, it would be a breach of the priest's holy obligation and calling to reveal this information given in sacred confidence. It is meant to enable the penitent to honestly disclose their sins, without fear of civil punishment, in order that they might avoid the greater punishment of a holy and righteous God.

It is understood that even in states where the priest is asked by a court of law to divulge information given in the confessional, he should refuse--even if this leads to his imprisonment.