ABSTRACT
At the outset, it is important to distinguish privacy from confidentiality. Privacy refers to what people share about themselves with others and how they establish environments in which information is revealed. Earlier in this book, we gave guidelines for pastoral contact that include preparing physical surroundings for and paying attention to the timing and length of interviews. In addition to maintaining a respectful and dignified environment, these protocols protect the privacy of people who consult clergy. Confidentiality is an extension of privacy. It refers to the treatment of information that has been disclosed in a relationship of trust. Confidentiality is built on the expectation that material disclosed will not be divulged to others without express permission.
