Some U.S. states designate clergy as mandatory reporters of child abuse, but 32 states explicitly exempt religious leaders from reporting abuse if the information is learned during a protected confidential rite, such as a sacramental confession. These exemptions protect the religious privilege of confidentiality, though legislative debates and legal challenges continue nationwide.
Yeah, no. Believe in whatever spiritual thing you like, but commit earth crimes on kids, freedom of religion can get waived on that, in my opinion.
To put this into perspective: when you see a therapist or other mental healthcare professional, for example, you work with them under “therapist-patient privilege”. This means that what you share with them cannot be shared with others; it creates a standard of trust.
However, if you disclose to your therapist that you have harmed or intend to harm another person, or have been the victim of child abuse, your therapist must report this.