Expert: Jason Harris - 11/4/2009

Question
do lutherans go to confession?

Answer
Hello Dick,

Luther says, "When I urge you to go to Confession, I am doing nothing else than urging you to be a Christian." Confession of sins and pronouncement of the Absolution are basic and integral parts of Lutheran Christianity. Almost all Lutheran Divine Services begin with a "public" Confession and Absolution.

The Roman church required, and technically still requires, a "private" Confession and Absolution. You must go to confession before a priest in order to have sins forgiven. Lutheran and other Protestant churches teach that we can confess our sins directly to God or one another. Thus confession before a pastor is not "necessary" or required.

I think, along with Luther, that private confession is a very wonderful and comforting practice. Sadly it has fallen into disuse in most modern American Lutheran churches, based on a desire to "not look catholic".  Most Lutheran churches will not have a "confessional booth" or set hours to "go to confession" but if you speak to the pastor, he will most likely be willing to set up an appointment with you in his office.

Here he will likely have a short rite for you to confess general sins and those that weigh on your heart. The pastor may offer some advice or Scripture and then pronounce the Holy Absolution. There will be no demand for "Hail Marys" or other forms of "penance". Jesus has already done everything needful to purchase the forgiveness of your sins. Private confession is a beautiful opportunity for a troubled conscience to hear the words of the Gospel directly from the pastor.

Blessings in Christ,
Pastor Harris