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.