Confession and Absolution
Confession is a rite of the Church in which a person confesses sins to a minister and hears absolution, the forgiveness of sins spoken in Christ’s name. The certainty of forgiveness does not rest on the strength of our contrition or the completeness of our memory, but on Christ’s promise and word.
The authority to forgive sins rests on Jesus’ words: ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.’ (John 20:22–23)
In the Lutheran Church
Article XIII of the Apology of the Augsburg Confession says: ‘Therefore Baptism, the Lord’s Supper, and Absolution, which is the Sacrament of Repentance, are truly sacraments. For these rites have God’s command and the promise of grace, which is peculiar to the New Testament. For when we are baptized, when we eat the Lord’s body, when we are absolved, our hearts must be firmly assured that God truly forgives us for Christ’s sake.’
In the Lutheran Church, confession is voluntary: no one is compelled to come. Yet it is a great gift of the Gospel, because a person may bring a burden personally and hear Christ’s forgiveness.
How can I prepare for confession?
You may prepare quietly by considering your life, words, deeds and omissions in the light of God’s commandments. In confession you may name freely what especially burdens your conscience and ask for counsel and prayer.
It is neither possible nor necessary to list every sin one by one. Articles XI and XXV of the Augsburg Confession stress that a complete enumeration of sins is not required, because we cannot remember them all.
Repentance and new life
Repentance means acknowledging sin and turning to God. A Christian desires, with God’s help, to avoid sin and to repair harm where possible. But forgiveness does not depend on perfect contrition or on completing an act of satisfaction; it depends on Christ, who forgives through his word.
The seal of confession
The minister is bound to keep silent about what was heard in confession. What is heard in confession is not disclosed to anyone.
When may I come to confession?
To arrange a suitable time, contact the parish office or a minister.