In other American states, courts have concluded that the presence of wives, children, or parents of the penitent does not make the confessional privilege inapplicable.
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California and Confession. 2. A Landmark Case, Reutkemeier v. Nolte
In 1917, the Iowa Supreme Court ruled that a confession can be rendered to a committee of four and still be protected by the confessional privilege.
The Anti-Unification Church Campaign in Japan: The Shadow of the Communist Party
An explosive journalistic report claims Japanese Communists played a key role in fueling hostility against the anti-Communist religious group.
California and Confession. 1. A Catholic Victory—Which Did Not Solve All Problems
In 2019, Catholics managed to stop a draft law that would have opened a breach in the confessional privilege. But they left a problem unsolved.
In the Shadow of Russia: Jehovah’s Witnesses and Central Asia
Scholars from different countries discussed how Russian influence created serious problems of religious liberty, although there are also signs of improvement.
France: Is State Secretary Sonia Backès a “Scientology Survivor“? Her Brother Tells a Different Story
She oversees the anti-cult mission MIVILUDES and tells a dramatic tale about her past. But her brother raises doubts about it.
Russian Doukhobors in Canada. 3. The Forced Assimilation of Children
Boarding schools for sons and daughters of the Doukhobors were a brutal attempt at eradicating their culture and identity. Canada has yet to apologize.
Russian Doukhobors in Canada. 2. The Sons of Freedom’s Protest and Violence
Arson and nudity made this branch of the movement notorious in Canada. But they had their reasons to protest.
Russian Doukhobors in Canada 1. The Coming of the Doukhobors
One branch of the anarchist sect went from pacifism to violence. It did not represent the whole community.
Scientology, Secular Courts, and Disconnection/Fair Game Policies. 5. Are Scientology Policies “Illegal”?
None of the ethics policies of the Church of Scientology can be regarded as being against the laws of a democratic country.