As amended through July 10, 2024
Rule 503 - Communications to Clergy(a) Definitions.(1) "Cleric" means a minister, priest, rabbi, or other similar functionary of a religious organization or an individual reasonably believed to be so by the person consulting that individual.(2) "Confidential Communication" means a communication:(B) not intended for further disclosure except to other persons in furtherance of the purpose of the communication.(b) Statement of the Privilege. A person has a privilege to refuse to disclose, and to prevent another from disclosing, any confidential communication: (1) made to a cleric in the cleric's religious capacity; and(2) necessary and proper to enable the cleric to discharge the function of the cleric's office according to the usual course of practice or discipline.(c) Who May Claim the Privilege. The privilege may be claimed by: (1) the person who made the confidential communication;(2) the person's guardian or conservator;(3) the person's personal representative if the person is deceased; and(4) the person who was the cleric at the time of the communication on behalf of the communicant.Advisory Committee Note. The language of this rule has been amended as part of the restyling of the Evidence Rules to make them more easily understood and to make style and terminology consistent throughout the rules. These changes are intended to be stylistic only. There is no intent to change any result in any ruling on evidence admissibility.