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Can a priest withhold absolution from a sinner?

In the rare case when a priest refuses absolution, he needs to state why and offer the penitent a way forward. The most common reason that absolution is denied is that the penitent does not manifest a firm purpose of amendment to make reasonable efforts to avoid the sin in the future.

Under the subtitle “Contrition,” the Catechism of the Catholic Church, in paragraph 1451, states: “Among the penitent’s acts, contrition occupies first place. Contrition is sorrow of the soul and detestation for the sin committed, together with the resolution not to sin again.”

The authority the priest has to “not forgive” comes from the command Jesus gives his apostles in John 20:23: “Whosoever sins you forgive, they are forgiven . . . whosoever sins you retain they are retained.” Notice the apostles have the authority to judge whether to forgive or retain (not forgive). This judgment is based on whether the penitent is truly contrite for the sin, which involves the intent to stop the sin.

For example, when someone seeks forgiveness for a sin but has no intention to stop committing the sin, they lack true contrition. This might be a person living in an irregular situation, such as an invalid marriage, cohabitation, or an illicit sexual union. It could be confessing the sin of using artificial birth control with no intent to change. If the penitent indicates no willingness to try and cease committing the sin, the priest must withhold or delay absolution. He will usually explain why and offer to speak to the person more substantially on the matter at another time.

The denial of absolution is relatively rare, but every priest has a duty to ensure that the Sacrament of Confession is celebrated with integrity. Grave sins are to be specifically confessed and the person must manifest a firm purpose of amending their life. A firm purpose of amendment indicates a willingness to make efforts to overcome sinful habits and avoid occasions of sin insofar as reasonably possible.

The priest is called to gently ensure that what makes for the sacrament is present and to help the penitent supply contrition and amendment. Thus, any refusal to grant absolution ought to be accompanied by a pastoral compassion that teaches and advises the penitent of a way forward to God’s mercy.



Author Bio:
Deacon Dan Vaughn