Question
Recently I have been seeing the word ‘Reconciliation’ used in place of the word ‘Confession.’
Is the Orthodox Church in America changing its terminology?
Answer
I too have seen the term “Reconciliation” used more frequently of late, although there is nothing wrong with this. One of the major prayers in the Sacrament of Confession says “reconcile and unite him/her to Thy Holy Church.” Through Confession, we are indeed reconciled to God and to one another.
There has been no official change in terminology, however, and in cases where other terms are employed, it is a local decision.