In the Anglican Church we have to remember to have a penitent attitude when it comes to sin. Thankfully we have written in our liturgy a confession of sin and an absolution. When we stand as a congregation on Sunday mornings we are faced with the impact of our sinful nature and given the opportunity to bring those sins to God in a confessional manner for the purpose of soul cleansing. We stand or kneel in the presence of each other and consider the sins we have committed in thought, word, and deed. Then we speak directly to God and confess those sins. In doing so we are given absolution and are reminded that our sins are forgiven and our soul is then prepared to receive the Holy Sacrament of Communion.
We need to hear the voice of the priest reminding us that our sins are indeed forgiven and that there is nothing that stands between us and God. This priest is set apart for the purpose of representing the Church and not himself and that is why he is vested.
This is a powerful part of Soul Care that is provided by the Church.
Do not let un-confessed un-repented sin burden your soul. Jesus has indeed set you free!
Father John Mozingo is the Vicar of Holy Cross Anglican Church in Winterville, NC.