Reconciliation of Penitents (Confession)

Reconciliation of Penitents (commonly called Confession or the Sacrament of Forgiveness) is a 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). It is also sometimes called penance and confession. We do not have a standing schedule for Reconciliation, please email Fr. Josiah to schedule an appointment. With regard to the sacramental rite of Reconciliation, it is often said that “All may, 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 Fr. Josiah even just to ask questions or talk about the basis of this rite.

The secrecy of the confession is morally absolute for the confessor and must not be broken (BCP, 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).