The clergy-penitent privilege—also known as the clergy privilege, confessional privilege, priest-penitent privilege, clergyman-communicant privilege, or ecclesiastical privilege—is a rule of privilege in the law of evidence that allows a person who has confided in a member of the clergy (minister, priest, rabbi, or other leader of an established church or religious organization) to refuse to disclose, and to prevent the clergy member from disclosing a confidential communication.

In Alabama, the clergy-penitent privilege is recognized and codified in the Alabama Rules of Evidence, specifically Rule 505. This privilege ensures that confidential communications made by an individual to a clergy member in his or her capacity as a spiritual advisor are protected from disclosure in legal proceedings. The privilege can be claimed by the person who made the confession (the communicant), the clergy member, or on behalf of the communicant by the clergy member. The privilege applies regardless of whether the communication was made privately or as part of a group, as long as it was intended to be confidential. However, there are exceptions to this privilege, such as when the communication involves the planning of a future crime or fraud, or if it is required to be reported under mandatory reporting laws for child abuse or neglect. It is important for individuals to consult with an attorney to understand the specific applications and limitations of the clergy-penitent privilege in Alabama.