After doing some research it looks like in California elders aren't required by law to report child abuse that they learn of. These exemptions to the reporting of child abuse need to be repealed. I wonder what the process is to get initiatives on the voting ballot. If given the option I strongly believe that a majority of voters would repeal these exemptions.
Cal. Penal Code § 11166(c)(1)-(2) (West, WESTLAW through Ch. 10 of 2003-2004 Reg. Sess. & 1st Ex. Sess.)
A clergy member who acquires knowledge or reasonable suspicion of child abuse during a penitential
communication is not subject to the requirement to make a report. For the purposes of this subdivision,
‘penitential communication' means a communication, intended to be in confidence, including, but not limited to,
a sacramental confession, made to a clergy member who, in the course of the discipline or practice of his or her
church, denomination, or organization, is authorized or accustomed to hear those communications, and under the
discipline, tenets, customs, or practices of his or her church, denomination, or organization, has a duty to keep those
communications secret.
Nothing in this subdivision shall be construed to modify or limit a clergy member's duty to report known or
suspected child abuse when a clergy member is acting in some other capacity that would otherwise make the clergy
member a mandated reporter.