Arizona clergy who learn of child abuse in confessions aren’t required to report it, court rules
Summary
The Arizona Supreme Court ruled that clergy members in Arizona do not have to report child abuse they learn about during religious confession. This decision protects the confidentiality of confessions even if clergy become aware of abuse.Key Facts
- Arizona clergy are not required to report child abuse learned in confession, according to the state supreme court.
- The case involved children abused by their parents, who sued the Mormon church and two bishops for not reporting the abuse.
- The Mormon church supports the ruling and says it condemns all abuse and helps victims.
- A previous Washington state law that would have forced clergy to report abuse was withdrawn after legal challenge by the Catholic church.
- Paul Adams admitted child abuse to a bishop in 2011 during confession and later died by suicide in jail.
- Abuse continued because bishops followed church rules to keep confessions confidential and sought advice not to contact police.
- The court said the First Amendment protects religious freedom, meaning courts can’t question religious reasons for keeping confessions secret.
- The ruling overturned a lower court decision that had favored the children, confirming protection of religious confession confidentiality.
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