Reconciliation of a Penitent

Sacramental rite in which those who repent may confess their sins to God in the presence of a priest and receive the assurance of pardon and the grace of absolution (BCP, p. 861).

Reconciliation of Penitents (sometimes called Confession, penance or the Sacrament of Forgiveness) is an opportunity for those who repent may confess their sins to God in the presence of a priest or bishop and receive the assurance of pardon and the grace of absolution (BCP, p. 861).

It is not time scheduled on the calendar. Individuals may schedule an appointment with our parish priest. The sacramental rite of Reconciliation is not a requirement in the Episcopal and sometimes we say: "All may, some should, and none must."

We understand that for many people this is very intimidating and may evoke an image of entering a wooden cabinet divided with a screen, but the Episcopal practice is much more conversational. You are welcome to email our priest to ask questions or talk about the basis the service of Reconciliation.

The content of a confession is not normally a matter of subsequent discussion. The secrecy of a confession is morally absolute for the confessor, and must under no circumstances be broken. (BCP 1979, p 446)

The church’s ministry of reconciliation is from God, “who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation” (2 Cor 5:18).