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.
Policies vary by regional governing body but are often shaped to follow state law.
Pastors in the Louisville-based denomination are forbidden to reveal anything told them in confidence. Policies are determined by regional governing bodies but often follow state law on who is required to report, according to the Rev. Lowell Almen, secretary of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The church does not have a policy that requires clergy to report suspicions of child abuse, but clergy training emphasizes that laws often mandate reporting. Those staffing the phone lines include professional counselors as well as lawyers who advise local ministers on their state's laws. If a report is required, help line personnel assist the local church leader . . .