Changes to Existing Law

(a) Definitions. As used in this section: (1)A "clergyman" member of the clergy is a minister, priest, rabbi, accredited Christian11 Science practitioner, or other similar functionary of a religious organization, or an12 individual reasonably believed so to be by the person consulting him or her; (2)A communication is "confidential" if made privately and not intended for further14 disclosure except to other persons present in furtherance of the purpose of the15 communication. (b) General rule of privilege. A person has a privilege to refuse to disclose and to prevent17 another from disclosing a confidential communication by the person to a clergyman in his member of the clergy in the member's professional character as spiritual adviser. (c) Who may claim privilege. The privilege may be claimed by the person, by his the person's guardian or conservator, or by his a personal representative if he the person is deceased. The person who was the clergyman member of the clergy at the time of the communication is22 presumed to have authority to claim the privilege but only on behalf of the communicant.23