The Ministry of Reconciliation, or sacramental confession as some know it, is a great gift to the Church. This opportunity to renew the gift of Christ’s forgiveness received in baptism is a way in which many Christians seek to grow in holiness, and quiet their consciences. It is a valued part a part of our common life in the Church of England as the Prayer Book exhorts:
It is requisite, that no man should come to the holy Communion, but with a full trust in God’s mercy, and with a quiet conscience; therefore if there be any of you, who by this means cannot quiet his own conscience herein, but require the further comfort or counsel, let him come to me, or to some other discreet and learned Minister of God’s Word, and open his grief; that by the ministry of God’s holy Word he may receive the benefit of absolution, together with ghostly counsel and advice, to the quieting of his conscience, and avoiding of all scruple and doubtfulness.
All those who hold the Bishop’s licence or have permission to officiate as priests are able to hear confessions ‘in extremis’ but for those who make themselves generally available to hear confessions the Bishop requires that the priest should have completed a training course and entered their name and contact details on the register of those authorised to administer the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
The Bishop’s Adviser on the Ministry of Reconciliation the Ven. Jonathan Sedgwick, Archdeacon of Southwark, is available to offer advice and support to all those who may have questions or concerns about this ministry. He is assisted by Canon Leanne Roberts, the Revd Paul Butler and the Revd Philip Kennedy.
Contacts details for each of whom can be found in the Register of Authorised Confessors.
Training & resources
A training session will be held at Trinity House on Thursday 26 March 2026 at 3.30pm.
Click here to register.
Resource: The Ministry of Reconciliation – A guide for priests and penitents
