Oh. I didn’t know that. Dad was a preacher in NY in the ‘50s and ‘60s, and it was a “thing” then and there.
...Oh, I didn’t know that...
Thats OK.
Uniform Rule of Evidence 505 a guide to The Feds and States defines clergy as a minister, priest, rabbi, accredited Christian Science Practitioner, or other similar functionary of a religious organization, or an individual reasonably believed to be so by the person consulting him. As you can see, the Uniform Rule provides a broad definition; in fact, the privilege would even apply to an individual who is not clergy as long as the parishioner reasonably believed he was. While many jurisdictions have used the Uniform Rule as a guideline, most have altered the definition in one way or another.
For example, Michigan defines clergy broadly, to include a minister of the gospel, or priest of any denomination whatsoever, or duly accredited Christian Science practitioner.