A confessional is a small, enclosed booth used for the Sacrament of Penance, often called confession, or Reconciliation. It is the usual venue for the sacrament in the Roman Catholic Church, but similar structures are also used in Anglican churches of an Anglo-Catholic orientation, and also in the Lutheran Church. In the Catholic Church, confessions are only to be heard in a confessional or oratory, except for a just reason (1983 Code of Canon Law, Canon 964.3)
What does the Bible say about this doctrine?
Priests forgiving sins was dealt with, but, the Bible makes it quite clear that the commission given to Peter (Matt. 16:18), was given to others too (Matt. 1818; John 20:22,23.) Paul, who was saved after this commission was given, demonstrated in 2 Cor. 2:6, that he and all Saints could forgive people and their sins. What wasn't mentioned what that God has ALREADY granted forgiveness of sins (Acts 5:31; 13:38) to those who respond to the Gospel (John 1:12.)
