In the past, only the Roman Catholic Church and the Greek Orthodox Church have the reconciliation Sacrament. Nevertheless, a lot of priests from the Protestant Church are encouraging parishioners to confess their sins to the ministers in their parishes today. Brian McPherson, from the United Methodist Church in Dallas State, says, "making confession in the presence of another human being keeps us honest. We all know kings and queens of denial. Confession removes that denial and makes us healthy."<br/><br/>

Thomas Q. Robbins, another minister from the United Methodist Church, says, "protestants tend to reduce everything to a logical exercise. A ritual would help penetrate our rational defenses and allow more healing to take place."<br/><br/>

"Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed." (James 5:16)<br/><br/>

Rev. Denise Philips, who serves at the Catholic Student Centre at the University of Dallas, says, &Quot;the time has changed. More parishioners choose to have the Reconciliation Sacrament through talking to the priests. Penance is no longer restrained to only prayers. For example, I would suggest parishioners who don't get along well with their families to pray for their family members at least once in their daily prayers."<br/><br/>

We are always welcome in God's embrace. Let us rest peacefully in His mercy.