1. United States
2. Mich.
3. Letter

I am writing to you as a concerned constituent and a parent residing in Michigan to urge you to support legislation that would close the loophole in our state’s mandatory reporting laws, which currently exempts clergy from reporting suspected child abuse when the information is obtained in a confessional or similar confidential religious context. Michigan’s children deserve every possible safeguard against abuse. While I fully respect the importance of religious freedom, I believe that protecting the safety and well-being of vulnerable children must take precedence when it comes to reporting abuse. No institution—religious or otherwise—should be above the law when it comes to protecting children from harm. This loophole creates an unacceptable risk, allowing abusers to continue harming children without intervention simply because their confessions remain hidden. All adults, especially those in positions of authority and trust, must be held accountable when it comes to protecting children. I respectfully ask you to support any legislative effort that would require clergy to report suspected child abuse, regardless of how the information is obtained. Such a change would bring Michigan in line with other states that prioritize child safety over institutional secrecy. Thank you for your service to our state and for considering my request. I urge you to act swiftly and decisively on this important issue.