Expert: Rick Jackson - 11/3/2007

Question
Sir,

I am struggling with a feeling that I just don't feel 100% right in the catholic church.  I believe in god and many of the catholic teachings but just have some issues with some of the catholic teachings. I friend of mine told me the Episcopol religion is a breakout of the catholic religion but a little more liberal in their teachings.  Can you tell me if this is true?  One example of an issue is I don't believe in or am comfortable with the confession process so that I may receive communion. I don't feel comfortable confessing to a man of the faith as I feel this is strictly between myself and god in my prayers and only he can truly forgive. I also don't believe that because a man or woman are gay that they are considered not good catholics, we are all children of god. Can you help me with any thoughts about finding a church of god that will suit me better?  

Thank you for your time
James

Answer
Hi James.

Regarding confessing to others, this is biblical.  
James 5:16 - Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.

Mark 1:4-5 - 4And so John came, baptizing in the desert region and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.

In the early church confessions were done publicly.

For more about Confession, read this: http://www.catholic.com/library/Confession.asp

For nearly 1500 years, all of Christianity recognized that Confession should be "to others"...early on publicly, then later to a priest.

As for being "gay", we must separate an attraction for the same sex with sex itself.  Temptation is not a sin but acting on it is.  Scripture and historic Christianity affirm that sex before marriage and/or unnatural sex is a sin.

I would encourage you to keep reading and seeking...and moreso, speak to a priest.

I know that I have only but touched on your issues, but that is all one can do in a forum such as this.

I do hope it has given you something to think about.

Peace and Blessings to you, James.

Rick.