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Unfortunately this is not a simple subject and it seems that the practice of confession is declining in ordinary Catholic life.

The Gospel says "On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you." When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you." And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained." (John Ch 20)

However the Gospels also says "Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye." (Matthew Ch 7)

It should also be noted from the Gospel that on the occasions when Jesus said "Your sins are forgiven" He did not ask anyone to confess their sins to Him and the Gospel also says that the servant is not greater than his master.

Therefore, as Jesus was sending the disciples in the same way as He was Himself sent, those with authority to forgive or retain sin should rely on the Holy Spirit and a demontration of faith on the part of the recepient in doing so.

However if you would like your sins to be forgiven then the current method is the only option available.

I hope this will help you make up your own mind.

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10y ago

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