Confessionals

Confessionals are small enclosed structures or rooms within church buildings used to hear confessions as part of the sacrament of penance. They are most closely associated with the Roman Catholic tradition, though variations exist in other Western churches that practice private confession, and in some parishes of Anglican and Lutheran denominations.

In their traditional form, confessionals are private booths or boxes with a grille or screen that separates penitent from priest. The penitent typically kneels at a bench or kneeler, while the confessor sits on the opposite side. Many confessionals are built into walls or placed as freestanding compartments, often crafted from wood and finished with doors, curtains, or other privacy features. Some are designed with two separate compartments, while others present a single chamber with a movable screen.

History and design developments: Private confession became widespread in medieval Europe, particularly after the Fourth Lateran Council of 1215, which mandated private confession at least once a year. Over time, designs varied widely, including dual-compartment layouts and different configurations of screens or curtains. In some churches, confessionals are clearly separated from the nave; in others, they are integrated into a chapels or side chapels.

Modern usage: In the 20th century, reforms associated with the Second Vatican Council encouraged greater flexibility in how confession is conducted, allowing more face-to-face arrangements and the use of reconciliation rooms in place of traditional booths. Many parishes continue to use classic confessionals, while others have adopted open or semi-private spaces for the sacrament.

See also: Confession (religion); Reconciliation.