High court says churches, not judges, define a ‘confession’ when it comes to reporting child abuse

The Arizona Supreme Court ruled that religious leaders, not judges, determine whether a confession under clergy-penitent privilege law requires reporting child abuse, citing First Amendment protections. The case involved Paul Adams, who confessed to abusing his children to church leaders, who were advised not to report the abuse to authorities. The LDS Church and advocates for child survivors now face conflicting priorities over religious freedom and child safety.