Anglican confessions of child sex abuse to remain confidential
Friday, October 20, 2006

The Anglican Archbishop of Adelaide, Jeffrey Driver, has denied reports the church will abolish the confidentiality of the confessional when it comes to information relating to child sex abuse.

Newspaper reports had suggested that those who admit in confession to sexually abusing children will be reported to police by the clergy.

Archbishop Driver has rejected the reports.

But he says priests can withhold absolution if a person who confesses to child sex abuse does not turn themselves into police.

Archbishop Driver says even though confessions will remain secret, the church will be able to deal with child abuse cases promptly and properly.

"What we've done is we've put up a whole raft of measure that will go to the synod on the weekend after next," he said. the rest