I can tell you, the Baptist church does not promise confidentiality and can and will dime you out. In fact, this is part of the policy of the Southern Baptist Convention. Not specifically pedophilia, but anything that "poses a risk" to yourself or another person. It is sad you cannot discuss, say, suicidal thoughts with your spiritual advisor without worrying he may decide the best way to handle it is to let the state institute you. Again, this is the policy, not a legal imposition. Yet...

That is the thing. The underlying idea may be "bust the perverts" and this will definitely make too many people not give a damn. However...this opens up the precedent. Drug addicts, repentant thieves who haven't yet past statute of limitations, anything brought up during confession potentially will get the dime dropped. Suddenly the confession booths will be empty. This is the only therapy some people seek and need.

Losing years of your life because you told someone you trust that you smoke a little weed occassionally. This is not as easy to sell as "keeping children safe."

This is American politics at work. I'd like to belive the Dept. of Homeland security was actually keeping us safe from teh terrorism. Instead they are keeping themselves busy locking folks up for speaking their minds.