The Anglican Archbishop of Adelaide, JeffreyDriver, has denied reports the church will abolish the confidentialityof the confessional when it comes to information relating to child sexabuse.
Newspaper reports had suggested that those whoadmit in confession to sexually abusing children will be reported topolice by the clergy.
Archbishop Driver has rejected the reports.
But he says priests can withhold absolution if a person who confesses to child sex abuse does not turn themselves into police.
Archbishop Driver says even though confessionswill remain secret, the church will be able to deal with child abusecases promptly and properly.
"What we've done is we've put up a whole raft of measure that will go to the synod on the weekend after next," he said.
"I believe that as a result of that we'll have the most comprehensive regime for safe ministry in any diocese in Australia.
"The Anglican Church of Australia is doing theright thing in ensuring that there still is the seal of theconfessional, but that it's used very carefully and in such a way thatit can't be abused."
Child protection advocate, Professor FredaBriggs, says she had like to see priests report cases of child abusedirectly to police, but is pleased changes are being made.
"We're making progress, albeit slowly, thatclergy should be advising people who confess to child sex crimes tocertainly get help and secondly to report to police," she said.
Submissions about Solutions