Chapter 40: Oklahoma Evidence Code · Last amended November 1, 2002 · Last verified August 3, 2026
In one sentenceSection 2505 lets a person refuse to disclose, and prevent a cleric from disclosing, confidential communications made to the cleric while acting in a professional capacity, with the privilege claimable by the person, a guardian, or a deceased person's personal representative.
1.A "cleric" is a minister, priest, rabbi, accredited Christian Science practitioner or other similar functionary of a religious organization, or any individual reasonably believed to be a cleric by the person consulting the cleric; and
2.A communication is "confidential" if made privately and not intended for further disclosure except to other persons present in furtherance of the purpose of the communication.
B.A person has a privilege to refuse to disclose and to prevent another from disclosing his confidential communication made to a clergyman acting in his professional capacity.
C.The privilege may be claimed by the person, by the person's guardian or conservator, or by the person's personal representative if the person is deceased. The cleric is presumed to have authority to claim the privilege but only on behalf of the communicant.
Amendment History
Laws 1978, SB 276, c. 285, § 505, eff. 10/1/1978; Amended by Laws 2002, HB 1939, c. 468, §35,
eff. 11/1/2002.
Plain-English Summary
Section 2505 protects communications between a person and a "cleric" -- defined broadly to include a minister, priest, rabbi, accredited Christian Science practitioner, similar religious functionary, or anyone reasonably believed to hold that role. The communication has to be confidential: made privately, with disclosure limited to people present to further its purpose.
The person the privilege belongs to -- or a guardian, conservator, or personal representative if that person has died -- can claim it. The cleric is presumed to have authority to claim the privilege too, but only on the communicant's behalf, not the cleric's own.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who counts as a "cleric" under this section?
A minister, priest, rabbi, accredited Christian Science practitioner, or similar religious functionary -- or anyone the person consulting them reasonably believes holds that role.
Can the cleric claim this privilege on their own behalf?
No. Section 2505(C) presumes the cleric has authority to claim the privilege only on behalf of the person who made the communication.
What makes a communication to a cleric "confidential"?
It must be made privately, without an intent for further disclosure beyond people present to further the purpose of the communication.
Does the privilege survive the communicant's death?
Yes. Section 2505(C) lets the deceased person's personal representative claim the privilege.
Source & verification. Section text is reproduced verbatim from
Title 12 of the Oklahoma Statutes, enacted by the Oklahoma Legislature.
Last verified August 3, 2026.
· Official source
Also known as:oklahoma clergy privilegereligious privilege oklahoma evidence codepriest penitent privilege oklahoma12 O.S. § 2505