Research Query

[rowyn]

Which Christian traditions include the rite of confession? I know Roman Catholic does, but I don't know which (if any) others do. I was thinking about it context of an upcoming project.

Comments

[prester-scott.livejournal.com]

All Catholic and Orthodox churches require, by canon law, private or "auricular" (in the ear) confession and absolution for all who are to receive Communion. Anglicans and Lutherans practice it also, though they do not require private confession; they have "general" confession and absolution included in public rites. Other Protestant churches might have a form of some kind for confession but don't really believe in the authority of ministers to absolve sin, so they certainly don't do auricular.

[mister-wolf.livejournal.com]

Anglicans and Lutherans practice it also, though they do not require private confession; they have "general" confession and absolution included in public rites.

Speaking as a former Missouri Synod Lutheran, this is correct. I might add that informal private confession, while not required, is strongly encouraged.

[mister-wolf.livejournal.com]

Which makes me think - have you considered the Lutheran Church Misouri Synod? I know you're unhappy with Anglicanism these days, and I know because my family are Lutherans that most of the changes that are happening in the Anglican church aren's hppening in the Lutheran church. I don't think that Lutherans are as formal as Anglicans*, but they've very conservative in terms of liturgy and traditions, as well as theologically and (generally) politically. Plus my Brother-in-Law is nearly done with Seminary - I could get you his e-mail, if you wanted to ask questions.

*The term 'pastor' is used, rather than 'preist', for instance.

[prester-scott.livejournal.com]

I've considered it in passing, but that would truly be a last resort. Lutherans are truly Protestant and not Catholic in any sense. They do not have Holy Orders in Apostolic Succession (with the exception of a few tiny splinter groups which I don't think are even in the US) and don't think that's important. It would be as much of a theological change from Anglicanism as if I were to become Roman Catholic -- therefore, I am far from anxious to make it.

[detroitfather.livejournal.com]

most of the changes that are happening in the Anglican church aren's hppening in the Lutheran church

Some are, though, like the wide-scale gutting of good, traditional hymns for the insipid, Maranatha-style praise choruses.

Sadly, I'm afraid the other "changes" will not be far behind for the Lutherans. I sincerely hope I am wrong.

-- an ex-LCMS Lutheran

[prester-scott.livejournal.com]

Well, all that plus I have a church home already, complete with responsibilities. If it evaporates, then I'll look for alternatives.

[howardtayler.livejournal.com]

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (the Mormons) holds fast to a belief in Priesthood succession (we believe that Peter, James, and John returned as angels to restore the apostolic priesthood upon the prophet Joseph Smith), and the authority therefore of Latter-day Saint ministers to participate in the process of absolution.

This process is not required for most minor sins - individuals retain responsibility for their relationship with the Savior through personal and family prayer, participation in the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, and attendance at worship services. In the cases of adultery, fornication, murder, and (I'm not sure on this one) anything where jail time is done, the sinner's bishop (the head of a Mormon congregation) must recieve confession, and will discuss and assist with the steps of fully repenting for the crime.

In addition to this, renewal of the Temple Recommend involves an interview with the Bishop and a follow-up interview with the Stake President (next level up from Bishop) during which the interviewee may unburden him/her self with confession.

The process is not nearly so formalized nor ritualized as it is in the Catholic tradition, but I believe it still qualifies as a "rite."

--Howard