Massachusetts Guide to Evidence 2025 Edition MA R EVID § 510

(a) Definitions. As used in this section, the following words shall have the following meanings:

(b) Privilege. Clergy members shall not disclose confessions made to them in their professional character without the consent of the person making the confession. Nor shall clergy members testify as to any communication made to them by any person seeking religious or spiritual advice or comfort, or as to the advice given thereon in the course of their professional duties or in their professional character, without the consent of such person.

(c) Child Abuse. Clergy members shall report all cases of child abuse, but need not report information solely gained in a confession or similarly confidential communication in other religious faiths. Nothing shall modify or limit the duty of a clergy member to report a reasonable cause that a child is being injured when the clergy member is acting in some other capacity that would otherwise make the clergy member a reporter.