Can a Protestant go to confession?
Question: Can a Protestant admit their sins to a Catholic priest and receive absolution?
—Richard J. Moore, Covington, Louisiana
Answer: Not typically. There are, nevertheless, a few exceptions. The initial exception pertains to the peril of death. Canon law states, “If the peril of death is imminent or there is some other serious necessity, in the opinion of the diocesan bishop or the national conference of bishops, Catholic ministers may validly administer sacraments to other Christians who lack full communion with the Catholic Church, who are unable to consult a minister from their own community, and who independently request it, as long as they demonstrate Catholic faith in these sacraments and are suitably disposed” (No. 844.4).
Take note of two conditions. First, they are unable to locate a minister from their own faith. Second, the Protestant or any other baptized non-Christian declares a Catholic belief in the Sacrament of Confession. The occurrence of both conditions happening simultaneously is uncommon; however, it is possible for confession and absolution to be administered to a Protestant facing the possibility of death.
Another exception is that a baptized non-Catholic who wishes to join the Catholic Church should have their confession acknowledged before being confirmed and welcomed into full communion. Therefore, although they are getting ready to join the Catholic Church, they are technically still a Protestant when the confession takes place.
