In Canada, the clergy is not protected from the responsibility of reporting. Appreciating the article you quoted, OC, and to further enlighten, here is the url for the Child & Services Act of Ontario, as an example of provincial requirements.
(bold is mine)
Do professionals and officials have any special responsibilities to report?
Professionals and officials have the same duty as the rest of the public to report their suspicion that a child is or may be in need of protection. However, the Act recognizes that people working closely with children have a special awareness of the signs of child abuse and neglect, and a particular responsibility to report their suspicions. Any professional or official who fails to report a suspicion is liable on conviction to a fine of up to $1,000, if they obtained the information in the course of their professional or official duties. [CFSA s.72 (4), (6.2)]
Who does the Act consider a person who performs professional or official duties?
- health care professionals, including physicians, nurses, dentists, pharmacists and psychologists
- teachers and school principals
- social workers and family counsellors
- religious leaders, including priests, rabbis and members of the clergy
- operators or employees of child care programs or centres
- youth and recreation workers (not volunteers)
- peace officers and coroners
- child and youth service providers and employees of these service providers
These are examples only. If you are unsure whether you fall into any of these categories, ask your local CAS, professional association or regulatory body. [CFSA s.72 (5)]
- any other person who performs professional or official duties with respect to a child
Excellent post, OC, and I wholly agree - check out the law in your country/province/territory/state.