Covering up sex crimes is a religious affair? Well then your religion is a criminal conspiracy.
The law protects discussions with clergymen and lawyers. Attorney-client privilege doesn't turn defense attorneys into co-conspirators, doesn't turn the practice of criminal law into a "criminal conspiracy," and defense attorneys aren't required to tattle to the DA every time they discover something that might be interesting to the prosecution. In fact, a defense attorney who did that would be incompetent.
Although some FReepers can't seem to grasp the fact, even accused child molesters have the same legal rights as anyone else accused of a crime.
And freedom of religion applies to everyone ... that is, if you expect to keep it.
So the priest is supposed to report adulterers? Or any sexual act that the Government chooses to call a crime? What about homosexuals who sin but who know that their actions are sinful.