Ariz. Supreme Court Says Churches Don’t Have to Report Confessions of Child Abuse

LDS Church leaders not bound to report sexual abuse confessions, Arizona Supreme Court rules

LDS Church praises the decision in this high-profile case, investigated by the reporter of "Spotlight" fame, but an advocate worries that predators could use a “confessional loophole to escape justice.”

Church leaders not bound to report sexual abuse confessions Arizona Supreme Court rules

The Arizona State Supreme Court ruled that church leaders do not need to report cases of sexual abuse, disclosed during confessions, to authorities, in a lawsuit brought against a man who confessed to Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints bishops to sexually abusing his daughter.

Court Shields Abuse Confessions — Outrage Erupts

Arizona’s highest court just said churches, not judges, get to decide when child abuse confessions stay secret. Story Snapshot Arizona Supreme Court unanimously ruled clergy cannot be forced to report child abuse learned in confidential confession. The court said the First Amendment means judges must defer to each church’s own rules on what counts as...

Church leaders not bound to report sexual abuse confessions, Arizona Supreme Court rules

(RNS) — Arizona justices unanimously ruled on Thursday (July 30) that trial courts couldn’t interfere in church leaders’ decision to report sexual abuse cases disclosed in confession, according to their own interpretation of religious doctrine.

Priests can't be forced to break seal of confession, Arizona Supreme Court affirms

The unanimous ruling deals specifically with a lawsuit against Mormon officials, but the legal principle also extends to the Catholic sacrament of confession.

Lawmaker vows to block clergy abuse-reporting bill despite court ruling

PHOENIX -- A key lawmaker says a new court ruling shielding priests and other clergy from having to report confessions of crimes -- even of ongoing child abuse -- isn't enough to convince him to stop blocking legislation to change…