Replies

Found the following from "Paul 2" at Mormon Mentality Web site:

Mormon Mentality.org: Reaction...the 5 Browns 'situation'

[Looks like Mormons just can't get away cover-up type of euphemisms...note that word 'situation' to describe repeat rape, sexual abuse to three pre-teen victims over two periods totaling three years!...maybe somebody should comment over there to the "bbell" poster who started that thread!]

Per Mormon Mentality poster "Paul 2":
In Utah bishops must report if they have non-confession knowledge but not if their knowledge comes from confession. Here are the applicable Utah laws from http://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/clergymandated.pdf Utah Code Ann. § 62A-4a-403 (LexisNexis through 2009 1st Spec. Sess.) “When any person has reason to believe that a child has been subjected to abuse or neglect, or who observes a child being subjected to conditions or circumstances that reasonably would result in abuse or neglect, he or she shall immediately notify the nearest peace officer, law enforcement agency, or office of the division. The notification requirements do not apply to a clergy member or priest, without the consent of the person making the confession, with regard to any confession made to him or her in his or her professional character in the course of discipline enjoined by the church to which he or she belongs, if:
• The confession was made directly to the clergy member or priest by the perpetrator. • The clergy member or priest is, under canon law or church doctrine or practice, bound to maintain the confidentiality of that confession. When the clergy member or priest receives information about abuse or neglect from any source other than confession of the perpetrator, he or she is required to give notification on the basis of that information even though he or she may have also received a report of abuse or neglect from the confession of the perpetrator.
Exemption of notification requirements for a clergy member or priest does not exempt him or her from any other efforts required by law to prevent further abuse or neglect by the perpetrator.”

IOW, if the bishop found out second hand -- like from the wife or daughters...or even any other source...then he was obligated to call the authorities!