If you're not Catholic can you go to confession?

Question

Is it appropriate to go to a Catholic church for a confession if you're not Catholic? I'm not planning on converting to Catholicism, I just think that confession is really healthy for someone's relationship with Christ, and I was just wondering.

I'm being serious and curious all, please respect that. I'm not trying to "butt in" on anyone's religion, I just want to know more.

Thank you all for your help! I am aware that I don't NEED a priest to absolve my sin, I just think that it helps make the sins and the act of confessing more valid if it's heard. It helps to know that you're heard, and while God does hear me, it's not necessarily true that I know that for sure. I don't have a particular sin in mind, I just find it healthy to admit to wrongs so that they can be forgiven. Thanks!

Answer 1

Just so you know in advance, I'm answering as a practicing Catholic. That said, you're certainly welcome to talk to a priest about your issues. If it's privacy you want, then you could go to the confessional and tell the priest that although you're not Catholic, you felt a need to confess. There isn't a good priest around that would turn you down.

Just for those non-Catholics who don't understand the process of reconciliation (which is what Catholics call it, not confession), it's a sacrament in the Catholic church-the same as baptism, Holy Communion, marriage, etc. The reason Catholics confess to a priest isn't just about the priest being the "only one who can communicate with God". No place in the Catholic religion does it say that we can't pray to God. What the point of going to the confessional is that you must speak of your sins out loud and actually hear the words of forgiveness back in your ears. Typically, the joke about "Two Our Fathers and Two Hail Marys" and sending you on your way are a bit off. If you have really hurt another human being (even yourself) with your sins, most priests recommend that you not only apologize to God, but reconcile with the person you sinned against.

I hope that clears things up for you!

Answer 2

Hmm, I'm actually not sure about that, but as a Catholic, I know that our priests are very reasonable people, and I think would gladly accept your confession. Just feel free to go, and when you're speaking to him, ask him about this -- let me warn you, though. Some priests can be very mean spirited and refuse to listen to you. Make sure you find the priest that doesn't have a stream of distraught-looking individuals headed back out. But again, most priests would be very understanding of your situation, and probably give you a better perspective on it than I could. If you do, by some off chance, run into a disagreeable priest, don't give up -- next time, go to a different priest, and see if you can't find someone more accepting.

Good luck!

Answer 3

No. It would be inappropriate of you to go to confession if you weren't a catholic. Not to mention that the whole process of confession is almost script-like and catholics know it pretty well so someone who all of a sudden shows up and fumbles on it would probably raise an eyebrow or two.

If you plan on doing it, at least talk to someone who knows how to do it so that they can guide you through the hoops so you don't make it awkward for yourself or the priest.


Frankly i think it's ironically funny that you think confession with a priest is a way to feel closer to christ when the whole schism and creation of protestantism happened because people felt that the Church was standing in the way between people's personal relationships with God.

Answer 4

Here's an answer from EWTN.com's Q&A section. I think it does a much better job of addressing your question than I could. God Bless!

Confession
Question from on 10-19-2005:
Dear Father Gantley, I was reading your response to someone concerning a non-catholic confessing their sins to a priest.
I'm sure the following is rather unusual and would like your opinion as to whether or not absolution took place.

About 2 yrs. ago I started really studying and praying about Catholicism. I started going to a priest and asked him if I could go to confession even though I was a Protestant. He told me that I could, but that he couldn't absolve my sins.

Well, the confession was very long as I felt I had much to confess. My heart was really touched and I think his must have been too as I believe there were tears in his eyes.

Now for the question---I don't know whether he just forgot or got "caught up" in my confession---but he did absolve me of my sins.

I have not had one temptation to sin (thanks be to God)in this area of my life that has plagued me for well over 35 years of my life....So I know in my heart that something did take place even though I had cried out to God many times in the past and never felt freedom.

I've been back several times to this priest for confession and he never has said that I was absolved again. I've never mentioned the incident to him for I wouldn't want to embarrass him if it might.

Sorry for the length of this but I really would like to know what you think happened.

Answer by Rev. Mark J. Gantley, JCL on 10-21-2005:
If he gave you absolution and you are validly baptized, I have no reason to think that it wasn't valid.
However, the sacrament of penance is in most circumstances reserved to baptized Catholics. From what you describe, you are on the road to reception into full communion with the Catholic Church. What is holding you back from taking the last step?

An interesting note -- the famous Catholic convert and author G.K. Chesterton, in writing about his conversion, stated that the primary reason he became a Catholic was because it was the only religion that could promise him with certainty forgiveness of his sins.

Answer 5

Why is it necessary for you to confess to a Catholic priest? Confession can be done in may ways which include writing down your wrongs so you pay attention to them. Or confessing out loud to god himself so that he knows you are making an active effort to live by his word. I am sure there are many other ways you can do it without going to a catholic church. It is part of their tradition. Maybe you should find a way to confess within your own religion. I know I talk to my pastor all the time and he is more than willing to listen and help me fix what I believe I am not doing right by the eyes of God! Hope this helps!

Answer 6

Great question.

I'm not sure.

The sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) is aimed at baptized Catholics.

But baptized Christians converting to Catholicism receive Reconciliation before receiving Confirmation and Eucharist (Communion).

I don't think it would be wrong as long as you tell the priest that you are not a Catholic.

Hopefully someone who knows more than I do will answer this question.

With love in Christ.

Answer 7

No, it is really not appropriate. A person should not receive any of the Catholic sacraments (including Eucharist) unless the person has been baptized as a Catholic.

I suggest that you go to the minister of your church and confess your sins to him or her.

You are absolutely correct that confession is really good for one's relationship with Christ. When you confess to a priest, you have to be really humble to do it. You can also receive spiritual guidence in the process. You also get to hear "Your sins are forgiven. Go in peace." That is the best part of all.

Answer 8

Why would you want to go to confession if you don't practice the Catholic faith? It makes no sense. If you just want to confess something and need to discuss your relationship with God, then go to the minister of your church of choice. Catholic confession is deeper than you may think. I'm just saying maybe you're confused about what its all about. Perhaps do a little research first. Testify how you want, practice the religion that you want. Besides, its your personal relationship. We have no right to tell you how to do that.

Answer 9

I think it is a good idea that you are asking questions.

I would say to go. . .when you get in, tell the priest that you are not a Catholic but would like to make a confession. Some would be willing to hear you, others not so much. My advice would be to call the parish and ask if the priest would be willing to hear a non-Catholic confession.

Peace be with you.

Answer 10

Technically, no. Not that way in which you are talking, at least. "Confession" is part of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, for which you have to be Catholic.

Having said that, if you went to a Catholic priest, told him that you weren't Catholic but you wanted to "confess" and understood that you would not be receiving the sacrament as such, I would be surprised if you found much resistence. Forgiveness comes from God - the Sacrament of Reconcilation is just an outward expression of it.