Go in Peace: The Art of Hearing Confessions

I love everything Martin Smith writes, and he does not disappoint in this, a joint project w/ Julia Gatta. Very practical as well as deeply spiritual. One of the cover blurbs says it has "striking clarity and tenderness," and that is an excellent description. The traditionally Protestant seminary I attended gave us virtually no training in hearing confessions or even much orientation to the mechanics of rite itself--which is a shame, since I believe it's something every priest needs to be able to do and do well. While such things can not be "learned" from a book, but only by prayer and practice, I at least now feel much better prepared than I did. This is a very comprehensive guide, from a contemporary Anglo-Catholic perspective. Discusses the reasons for private confession, its benefits, and what makes a good confessor. Treats how hearing confessions relates to pastoral counseling and spiritual direction and when it's appropriate to combine them, and when not. Discusses the spirituality and impact of hearing confessions on the confessor. Also stresses why all of us who might hear confessions need to make our own confession regularly. And does a good job of treating the issue of the seal of the confessional and how it differs from normal professional standards for confidentiality and mandatory reporting. Suggests methods of preparation for confession one might recommend to someone seeking to make their confession. (Smith has also written another book on preparing to make one's confession which is also good.) In the second half of the book, _Go in Peace_ has excellent case studies on how to provide wise counsel.I am recommending this book to all my priest friends, especially those who are mentors to the newly ordained, and those who may not have much experience w/ sacramental confession.

Thanks

Easy to read, to the point, and filled with wisdom about reconciliation and making confessions. The three preparatory exercises are excellent as well as the advise on how to respond to someone else's confession.

It's a fantastic and informative book

what can be said about a book that HAS to be read... well, it is a good book anyway. recommend

This book provides a very sound background to the Anglican practice of confession. It gives good advice and guidance to those who minister in this way. It encourages too, those who have never made or heard a confession. I am less sure about the worth of the case studies but they nonetheless make interesting reading. I recommend this book to all those beginning their priestly ministry, regardless of their personal tradition, and to those like me who have been hearing confessions for decades.