Arizona Supreme Court Rules Clergy Not Required to Report Child Abuse from Confessions

A significant ruling by Arizona’s Supreme Court has determined that clergy members in the state are not obligated to report child abuse discovered during religious confession. This decision upholds the traditional legal privilege known as the “seal of the confessional,” shielding confidential communications between a parishioner and their pastor from mandatory reporting obligations.
The ruling concludes a legal case involving three children who alleged sexual abuse by their parents, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). These children sued the LDS Church and two bishops who became aware of the abuse but reportedly did not alert authorities or take further action. The case highlighted the potential conflict between religious confidentiality and child protection laws.
This decision effectively reverses a previous state law that would have required clergy to report suspected abuse. The LDS Church issued a statement welcoming the ruling, emphasizing its commitment to protecting victims and preventing abuse, while also stressing the importance of religious confidentiality.
The case, initiated in 2020, detailed how the children’s parents, Paul and Leizza Adams, were involved in the abuse. According to court filings, Paul Adams admitted his crimes during a confession to a bishop in 2011 and later discussed them at a formal disciplinary hearing led by another bishop in 2012. The children’s allegations formed the basis of their lawsuit against the church and the bishops.
The LDS statement noted that the church “has always condemned” child abuse and continues to “encourage reporting” through its safeguarding efforts. It also pointed out that Arizona law recognizes the confidential nature of religious confession, and the court’s decision affirmed the balance between these religious protections and societal concerns.
The ruling echoes a similar situation in Washington state, where a 2025 law mandating clergy report abuse was later withdrawn following legal challenges from the Catholic Church. This precedent underscores the ongoing tension between religious freedom and mandatory child abuse reporting laws across the nation.
The Arizona Supreme Court’s decision raises questions about the accountability of church leaders who learn of abuse during confidential settings. It prioritizes the sanctity of the confession booth over the duty to protect minors, potentially impacting how institutions handle cases where abuse is disclosed within their religious framework.

Source: Read the original report