Non-Catholics And Confession

[Wynd]

I know that a non-Catholic isn't supposed to receive the sacrament of confession. What (if anything) happens if a non-Catholic were go to into the confessional, confess his sins, and have the priest absolve him?

[Cam42]

[quote name='Wynd' date='May 11 2005, 02:16 PM'] I know that a non-Catholic isn't supposed to receive the sacrament of confession.  What (if anything) happens if a non-Catholic were go to into the confessional, confess his sins, and have the priest absolve him? [/quote]
The priest won't absolve him.....the priest will counsel him. I will most certainly advise that anyone, Catholic or not....seek the counsel of a priest, if in the confessional, fine.....but the priest, knowing that the person isn't Catholic, cannot and will not give absolution.

In order for the absolution to be binding, there must be Faith and there must be membership (formally) in the Church. Anything else is sacrilege.....

Cappie may be able to speak more to this.....

Cam