http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,3-538079,00.html From Richard Owen in Rome January 10, 2003 The Vatican has warned Catholic bishops and priests not to use the internet to hear "online confessions" in case they are read by "ill-intentioned people such as hackers" for purposes such as blackmail. The Holy See's judicial arm said there was a risk that criminals would misuse confidential information intended for the eyes of a confessor only. It did not say if the warning had been prompted by an actual case of blackmail. No figures have been released for the number of confessions heard online. The Vatican has embraced the internet with enthusiasm, and since 1997 has had an efficient website powered by computers named after the archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael and run by nuns. The Pope, while warning of the "dark uses" to which the internet can be put and the "temptations" it offers, has used it to send messages and prayers around the world. However, he is against group confessions and collective absolutions. [...] - ISN is currently hosted by Attrition.org To unsubscribe email majordomoat_private with 'unsubscribe isn' in the BODY of the mail.
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