Privileged Communication and the Military Chaplain
Abstract
Clergymen have traditionally been taught to respect the confidentiality of information communicated to them by their church members. Society as a whole respected the communication established in the minister- communicant relationship. The term used most frequently and dating back to biblical times was confession, and the information obtained in the confession was considered confidential. The sacramental confession made to a priest has a rich historical tradition. The purpose of this paper is to trace the origin of the legal term privileged communication as applied to the priest, minister, or rabbi, and to show that present civil legislation and military regulations are inadequate and vague in offering protection to ministers/chaplains dealing with matters of confidentiality.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 22, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA182757
Entities
People
- Michael G. Ortiz
Organizations
- United States Army War College