Poenitentia: Reconciliation of the Penitent

It is a commonly asked question: Do Episcopalians practice the Sacrament of Confession?  The answer to this question is yes and no.  Maybe to save confusion later on, Episcopalians are Catholics, but not Roman Catholic.

There are two types of confession in the Episcopal Church: "Catholic," in this case, refers to the belief that the church is in part of the universal church of Jesus Christ, with a line of succession among the clergy that goes all the way back to the apostles.

The Episcopal Church is part of the Anglican Communion, and is not under the authority of the pope, who is the head of the Roman Catholic Church. The Episcopal Church in the United States began in 1787. Prior to that it was part of the Church of England, which began in 1534 under Henry VIII.

The Roman Catholic Church and the Episcopal Church have similar liturgies, and both denominations believe in the true presence of Christ in the Eucharist. They differ quite a bit politically, however, as the Episcopal Church allows women to be deacons, priests, and bishops and is more liberal on most social issues, including homosexuality and birth control.

Anyways, the General Rule of Confession is this: None must go to Confession, some should go, and all may.  This means, that while a sacrament of the Church, Confession to a priest is not a must.  It is there if you feel you need to go.

However, at every Mass, Confession takes place privately in the heart, as the parish takes a moment of silence to confess to God our sins, then the priest will tell you that God has forgiven you of your sins.  Not long after, you proceed to receive the Holy Eucharist (Communion).

I hope this article clears up some of the confusion and/or curiosity you may have had on the subject of Reconciliation (Confession) in the Episcopal Church.  May the Peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you!

-Father William Warf