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French bishops seek to disconnect the Line of the Lord

French bishops have criticised a premium-rate telephone line for offering to hear people's confessions. The Conference of French Bishops said in a statement on Monday that the service had “no approval” from the French Catholic Church. The service was set up at the start of Lent by a group of Catholics working for a telephone messaging company.

Photo: Tom S/Wikimedia Commons
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Despite not strictly offering absolution for sins, which only a priest can provide, the service attracted around 300 calls in its first week.

Callers are greeted with a series of options. “For advice on confessing, press one. To confess, press two. To listen to some confessions, press three,” says a soothing male voice.

However the Conference of French Bishops condemned the service, dubbed “The Line of the Lord”.

They said it was “unacceptable to allow confusion over the notion of confession”, though they admitted the service could play a role in helping those in isolated situations.

“Confession has a sacramental meaning and requires the real presence of a priest,” their statement added.

Aabas Interactive, the company that set up the service, says all proceeds will be given to charity. Callers are charged 0.34 euros a minute, plus a surcharge for mobile phones.

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