Confessions
What is confessions?
Key facts
| Meaning | Acknowledgment; avowal; admission[1] |
|---|---|
| Religious meaning | Acknowledgment of sinfulness, especially to a priest to obtain absolution[1] |
| Legal meaning | A formal, usually written, acknowledgment of guilt by a person accused of a crime[1] |
| Faith meaning | A formal profession of belief and acceptance of doctrines[1] |
| Catholic context | A sacrament in which repentant sinners privately confess sins to a priest and receive absolution[1] |
A confession is an acknowledgment or admission of something, especially sin, wrongdoing, guilt, or belief. In religion, it often means admitting sins to a priest for absolution; in law, it is a formal acknowledgment of guilt.
Context
A confession is an acknowledgment or admission of something, especially sin, wrongdoing, guilt, or belief [1]. In religion, it can mean the act of admitting sins, and in law, it can mean a written or oral acknowledgment of guilt [1]. The term has multiple meanings: acknowledgment, avowal, admission [1]; religious acknowledgment of sinfulness, especially to a priest for absolution [1]; legal formal acknowledgment of guilt [1]; and faith as a formal profession of belief [1]. In the Catholic context, confession is a sacrament in which repentant sinners privately confess sins to a priest and receive absolution [1]. In legal contexts, a confession is a statement admitting guilt [1]. Confession can also mean a formal public avowal of religious beliefs or a creed [1]. Additionally, it can refer to a religious denomination or sect united by a common system of beliefs [1]. Confession is commonly confused with confession of faith, creed, confessional society, and Japanese kokuhaku (confessing love) [1].
Documented claims
Questions and answers
What is the true meaning of confession?
The true meaning of confession is an acknowledgment or admission of something, especially sin, wrongdoing, guilt, or belief [1].
What does confession mean in the Catholic Church?
In the Catholic Church, confession is a sacrament in which repentant sinners privately confess sins to a priest and receive absolution [1].
What is a legal confession?
A legal confession is a formal, usually written, acknowledgment of guilt by a person accused of a crime [1].
Sources
- Confession | Definition, History, Meaning, & Facts — britannica.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)