Go in Peace: The Art of Hearing Confessions

by Julia Gatta, Martin L. Smith

Helps develop the pastoral skills needed for hearing confessions.Although the sacramental Rite of Reconciliation is included in many Anglican prayer books, nothing has been written expressly Anglicans since the 1980s that focuses on the pastoral skills required for this ministry. This book combines and passes on the teaching, coaching, skill development, and accumulated pastoral wisdom that has not been widely accessible or well integrated into clergy training. Realistic transcripts and "verbatims" of sample confessions and counseling sessions involving a wide range of people makes this a unique ministry resource for most seminaries and theological colleges, plus clergy in general-including Lutheran pastors who use the rite of "Individual Confession and Absolution" in the Lutheran Book of Worship.

Genres: Theology

144 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[Sarah Pascual · Rating 3 out of 5]

Written from a tradition that doesn’t quite fit mine, but devoting an entire book to hearing and caring for people in confessing sin was thought provoking and insightful.

[Kenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful reminder of that the ministry of reconciliation (the practice of confession to a pastor or priest) can be a vital way for believers to experience the Gospel. Provides practical helps and suggestion for pastoral care.

[David S Harvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recommended for pastors - especially those not from Anglican traditions

I’ve never been in a tradition that offers the rite of reconciliation. But if you want a book to convince you of it’s beauty and tempt you as a pastor to explore this, then I’d suggest you read this.

The overview of confession is helpful, it may not be your tradition so you need to pay attention and also be careful of associating it with pastoral care or counselling. The way that grace and freedom and forgiveness are offered in confession shows the difference and also the need for both.

The contention that only those who go to confession should hear confessions struck me as compelling. The one sided nature of many pastoral practices in free churches should concern us. Perhaps we’d all do better as pastors if we attended confession regularly. The guidance here on how to navigate this is helpful.

I appreciate how the book talks you through the process of the sacrament with helpful suggestions and pointers. Adding to this the examples of confessions that show the process in practice.

A niche book for sure, but one I think more Christian leaders should ponder.

[Tamara Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read Go In Peace as part of my spiritual direction certification requirements. It will end up being in the top five of my favorites from the course. While various denominations practice giving and receiving confession in a community in a variety of ways, Gatta and Smith provide theological insight and encouragement for all of us to embrace this means of grace for wholeness and intimacy with God, each other, and ourselves. If you care about participating in a healthy church, I recommend this book.

[Riley Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read!

[Trey Kennedy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good resource for priests listening to confessions.