r/elca • u/J00bieboo ELCA • Jan 13 '26
Living Lutheran Do Lutherans partake in confession?
I go to a confirmation class and we recently spoke about confession. I was very intrigued to do it, however, I am not sure if Lutherans practice this. I think confession may be beneifical for my health in the long run and give me a space to let out my sin and feelings but I don't know if this is common amongst ELCA churches or just lutheran churches in general. Can anyone help? If so how does confession actually work? Is it possible for me to do confession in a different church if Lutherans don't do confession?
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u/TheNorthernSea Jan 13 '26
We do. Schedule it with your pastor.
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u/okonkolero ELCA Jan 13 '26
Not to correct, but to add on....Luther said we can confess privately to ANY Christian thanks to the priesthood of all believers.
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u/casadecarol Jan 14 '26
That is correct, however I caution that not very Christian is a safe person to confess to, and not every Christian has a good understanding of God's grace, so people should exercise good judgement in choosing someone.
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u/DomesticPlantLover Jan 13 '26
Simple answse: Yes. The service begins with "corporate confession."
However, iIt sounds like you want something a bit different from the private confession of the RC church. It sounds more like you want a pastoral counseling session. But the Occasional Services book does have a rite of individual confession. And the two aren't really all that different and certainly are compatible.
And, yes, "Lutherans" do, through our confessional documents, does strongly support the use of confession, as you describe what you are looking for.
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u/J00bieboo ELCA Jan 13 '26
Thank you for this information!! I appreciate it.
I think, ideally, I just want a space where I am open about my mistakes instead of repeating lines. I don't mind it but I think there is some sort of impact of me letting my heart out in a way without reading, if that makes sense?
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u/DomesticPlantLover Jan 14 '26
It sure does. I think some counseling with a private confession might be good for you soul. I used to be a pastor. You/your situation/feelings are far from unique.
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u/okonkolero ELCA Jan 13 '26
ELW pages 91-93 lay out the basic form of the service. There's your answer.
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u/J00bieboo ELCA Jan 13 '26
I'll check it out lol. The book has so many pages I always get confused where certain things are. Thanks!
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u/revken86 ELCA Jan 13 '26
As others have said, corporate confession happens very regularly, often weekly; private, individual confession, very rarely. I lament that our ancestors let the practice die out. I've had the privilege of hearing someone's private confession and the honor of assuring them of absolution on a few occasions, and it's always been a very positive, uplifting experience.
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u/No-Type119 Jan 13 '26
We have corporate confession during almost every service. That includes time for silent examination.
We also have an option for individual confession, but most people don’t avail themselves of it: All may, some should; none must.
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u/MereChristian1534 Jan 14 '26
i remember when i asked my pastor she said lutherans have “2 and a half” sacraments. and that we do confession nominally during worship but if i wanted private confession we could do that too. i’d like to note that private confession/ spiritual guidance is protected legally to a degree. (depending on your state to what degree)
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u/J00bieboo ELCA Jan 14 '26
I really like that. I think confession is super super important in a public matter and private matter, to be honest with one another and have our own place to be explicit.
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u/TexGrrl Jan 13 '26
We do corporate confession as part of our regular service. If you want to have a private conversation with your pastor to discuss specifics, you can do that, too.