Question: What does the term “absolution” really mean?
Answer: The word absolution comes from the Latin "Absolutionem" which means to set free, to loosen, to acquit.
“But forgiveness is not just a private deal between God and me. My sins have built invisible walls between me and other people. And I very much need to be in a family of people who accept me and understand me”.*
Absolution brings us back into relationship with God and with our brothers and sisters in Christ. We are set free; the bonds of sin are loosened; we are totally acquitted of our sins.
We are made new; we are reconciled. Praise God!
If you have questions about what it means to be an Episcopalian, just ask and I’ll find you an answer.
*From “More Than Words” from Seabury Press, 1958.