Secret-keepers: Clergy and Privileged Communications

There are some fields which hold a Professional Code of Conduct in regard to privileged communications. Attorneys, physicians, and psychiatrists, for example, are bound by this Code; fewer people are aware that privileged communications also extends to communications between a husband and wife. Fewer yet are knowledgeable about how this code of conduct relates to the clergy and those whom they serve.

Although individual states do impose their own statutes regarding the interpretation of privileged communications, and, as such, should be consulted whenever questionable, the general rule-of-thumb is that whatever is said to one's clergyperson in confidence must remain confidential except when it involves instances of child abuse, which must be immediately reported to the proper authorities, or instances of "imminent bodily harm"-- meaning the plan of an act which has not yet taken place.
While the "legalese" of this topic is state-varied, the purpose of privileged communications is universal. In this era of "share all" and "tell," the relationship between a minister and the individuals he or she serves is even more essential; for whether one has a host of personal "secrets" and burdens or not, a human being has the natural need to be able to communicate with someone he can fully trust, knowing that what is said will go no further. This form of trust is one of the most significant elements in privileged communication.

A second element is that of relief from one's burdens. How difficult it must be for one to carry on his own shoulders, in his heart and conscience, the burdens of every misdeed, however large or small. In privileged communications with his minister, he is no longer forced to hold these burdens within himself, nor to do so alone.

A third element is connection. When sharing his deepest concerns with his minister, the individual establishes a connection both with another human being and with God. Thus the relationship forged by privileged communications eases the person's sense of isolation, and forms connections in a positive, safe manner.

Adding together these elements of trust, relief, and connection, is a very constructive means by which to begin dealing with issues of conscience. The person may request advice from his minister, or he may simply have needed someone to talk to with the assurance that whatever is said will not be revealed to anyone else. When one accepts the role of minister, a part of that role is guaranteeing that whatever is brought up in confidence will remain confidential-- it will not be shared with one's spouse, revealed to friends or acquaintances, and, depending on one's particular state's statutes, will not even be disclosed in a court of law. The professional code of conduct which binds those in various fields to strict observance of confidentiality is considered by most members of the clergy to be a great asset in providing the necessary elements of trust, relief, and connection; and, therefore, is a great blessing.