Theological Glossary
Six Christian traditions define Confession below — each in its own words, paraphrased from its official documents. These are attributed positions, not assertions of fact.
The Catholic Church teaches that in the sacrament of Reconciliation, the faithful confess their sins to a priest, who absolves them in Christ's name by the power of the keys. It holds that individual, integral confession of grave sins is required at least once a year, under the strict seal of secrecy.
Source: CCC 1440–1467 ↗
The Orthodox Church teaches confession as a holy mystery in which the believer, before a priest as witness, confesses sins to Christ and receives absolution and counsel. It holds that confession is a regular discipline of the spiritual life — medicine for healing, not a juridical tribunal.
Lutherans retain private confession and absolution, teaching that when the pastor pronounces forgiveness to the penitent believer, it is as valid and certain as if Christ himself spoke it. They hold that confession is not commanded by divine law with an enumeration of all sins, but is a precious gift for troubled consciences.
Source: Augsburg Confession, Art. XI; XXV; Luther's Small Catechism, Confession ↗
The Reformed tradition teaches that confession of sin is to be made to God, who alone forgives, and — where others have been wronged — to the offended party as well. It holds that there is no scriptural warrant for auricular confession to a priest as necessary to forgiveness.
Baptists teach that believers confess their sins directly to God, who is faithful and just to forgive through Christ. They hold that confession may also be made to one another for mutual encouragement and accountability, but that no priestly mediator is required.
Source: 1 John 1:9 ↗
Methodists practice confession to God in private prayer and in the corporate general confession of the liturgy, trusting Christ's promise of forgiveness. They hold that pastoral confession and counsel are available and valuable, but not sacramentally required.
Source: UMC What We Believe ↗
See how the traditions compare on related topics: