Article V · Privileges
Rule 505. Privilege For Communications to a Clergy Member
Cite: Tex. R. Evid. 505
Definitions. In this rule:
A “clergy member” is a minister, priest, rabbi, accredited Christian Science Practitioner, or other similar functionary of a religious organization or someone whom a communicant reasonably believes is a clergy member.
A “communicant” is a person who consults a clergy member in the clergy member’s professional capacity as a spiritual adviser.
A communication is “confidential” if made privately and not intended for further disclosure except to other persons present to further the purpose of the communication.
General Rule. A communicant has a privilege to refuse to disclose and to prevent any other person from disclosing a confidential communication by the communicant to a clergy member in the clergy member’s professional capacity as spiritual adviser.
Who May Claim. The privilege may be claimed by:
the communicant;
the communicant’s guardian or conservator; or
a deceased communicant’s personal representative.
The clergy member to whom the communication was made may claim the privilege on the communicant’s behalf—and is presumed to have authority to do so.