1. Reconciliati on History Liturgy Theology

2. A brief History of the Rite of Reconciliation The issue of repentance for post-baptismal sin (140/150) Clement of Rome / The Shepherd of Hamas 3 rd century: “ Second repentance” Tertullian Public penance at the entry of the place of worship Then bishop and clergy took control over the process. Heavy discipline, even after obtaining forgiveness / Only one 2d chance

3. The Growth of Private Confession Clement of Alexandria / Origen: Benefit in exposing one's sins and struggles to a spiritual director. Britain and Ireland adapted the monastic practice to the church with regular private confession / diffused throughout Europe by Celtic missionaries Absolution granted before penance was executed 1215 Fourth Lateran Council: “Every Christian is to confess his sins to his own priest at least once a year”

5. Continental reformation During medieval period, confession becomes one of the seven sacraments and part of the official theology of the catholic Church. Luther removed the obligation for private confession and abolished penance. Calvin did not retain it as a sacramental rite. Anglican reformation Church of England removed the obligation, but continued to make confession available.

6. “And if there be any of you, whose conscience is troubled and grieved in any thing, lacking comfort or counsel, let him come to me, or to some other discreet and learned priest, taught in the law of God, and confess and open his sin and grief secretly, that he may receive such gosthly counsel, advice and comfort, that his conscience may be relived, and that of us (ministers) he may received comfort and absolution to the satisfaction of his mind, and avoid all scruple and doubtfulness” English Prayer Book, 1549

7. Back and forth in the “catholic” understanding of Confession Decline in the 18 th century with a revival in the Oxford movement Since 1979, the Episcopal prayer book, once the weakest in this regard, now has the strongest testimony to sacramental confession of all the prayers books in the Anglican Communion.

8. The Rite of Reconciliation Rubrics Reconciliation is a divine act in which the church participates. Living the baptismal and Eucharistic life is itself a ministry of reconciliation and seeks to establish mercy and justice in society. God reconciles us to himself through both common prayer and sacrament, the Reconciliation of a Penitent provides for private and personal confession. The confessor is forbidden to violate the secrecy of the confession.

10. 2 forms in the BCP, p.447 Form One: Simple, direct, Western forms Form Two: Framework of the baptismal life in Christ, Eastern form. Reconciliation restores the sin-damaged relationship with Christ that was established in baptism. The baptismal bound cannot be broken but yet, we can and do squander our baptismal inheritance.

12. 3 steps - Ask for God's enlightenment. The Holy Spirit who dwells in us reveals to us our brokenness in our relationship with God (Not a judgment form above, but from within) - Confession of sins, understanding sin not so much as a list of acts than a disease of the will. - Counsel and absolution or declaration of forgiveness (lay person). The Priest does not forgive the sins, this is done by the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. (- Penance : as a sign of repentance, never as a condition for absolution)

13. “The reconciliation of penitents is not a sacrament of the Gospel in the sense that baptism and Eucharist are. In the celebration of the rite, the penitent is not simply the recipient of the sacramental action. In a real sense, the priest and penitent concelebrate the rite, renewing and restoring the baptismal covenant within which both stand.” Leonel L. Mitchell

14. Why Make a Sacramental Confession? Our need for celebration Trying to experience inner renewal and change purely on one's own can be frustrating. The corporate aspect of sin and forgiveness My sin is not my private business. A safe zone for facing the negative The priest offers company and support.

15. A means of opening and clearing the heart The sacramental rite moves us on into the experience of release A way of accepting the humiliation of the cross Costliness as a reason to use the sacrament of reconciliation. The breakthrough to certainty Experience the presence of God in the reality of the other person and in the words of pardon. Exposure to creative, strengthening counsel… in a personal, concrete and immediate way

16. Questions Preparing your confession (hand-out)