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

[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