In Focus Jehovah's Witnesses' policy on child molesters attacked Molestation victim, parents think church elders let them down Like the Jehovah's Witnesses, seven other religious denominations surveyed by The Courier-Journal expect their clergy to report all suspected child abuse in states where they are required to by law. The approach among religions varies in states that do not mandate reporting. Even in reporting states, variations are possible. For example, Kentucky and Indiana require citizens to report suspected child abuse. Indiana allows no exceptions.
Policies vary by diocese.
The archdioceses of Louisville and Indianapolis require priests to report suspected child abuse in all circumstances except when they learn of it in confession. Even in that setting, priests can counsel someone confessing a crime to go to a counselor or police. Archdiocese of Indianapolis spokeswoman Susan Schramm knew of no instance where that exception conflicted with Indiana law. Churches are self-governing, so regional bodies do not dictate policies. However, the Kentucky Baptist Convention trains staff and volunteers to recognize and report suspected child abuse to authorities, according to Wendy Dever, preschool and children's associate for the convention.