Is auricular confession (telling ones sins to the priest) a necessity, or may one go before the altar and talk to God and then ask the priest for Absolution?
A. Not in the Catholic Charismatic Church. Some people feel relief in telling their sins to the priest while others are uncomfortable, so we usually have them go before the Altar and pray about their sins to God, who already knows them. Then if they are satisfied that they are at peace with themselves and God and ask for the absolution, we give it at this point without asking about what they have done. There are also those that need to ask about certain aspects of their lives and if they are living according to the commandments of God, these may feel the need for auricular confession and do make use of it.
