The Archbishop of Sierra Leone’s Catholic Archdiocese of Freetown, Edward Tamba Charles, has voiced apprehension over the diminishing interest in the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation.

In his Lenten Season message conveyed to ACI Africa on Tuesday, February 27, Archbishop Tamba Charles articulated his distress, stating that the trend is causing him considerable unease.

Expressing dismay at the sight of empty confessionals juxtaposed with burgeoning queues for Holy Communion, Archbishop Tamba Charles lamented what he described as “the death” of the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation in the Archdiocese of Freetown.

He said: “We have noticed, over the years, a very worrying lack of interest in this particular sacrament in this diocese.” The Archbishop went further, disclosing that the situation has been keeping him awake at night.

Despite occasional peaks in confessional attendance during major events or communal celebrations like the annual Archdiocesan Lenten Pilgrimage, the Archbishop noted a persistent decline in participation throughout the rest of the year. He underscored the paradox of lengthy queues for Holy Communion amidst the dwindling engagement with the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation, cautioning against the dangers of partaking in communion while conscious of unconfessed grave sins.

Archbishop Tamba Charles seized the opportunity of Lent, a season of conversion and renewal, to advocate for a revival of the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation. Addressing common misconceptions surrounding confession, he emphasized that it is God, not the Priest, who forgives sins in the sacrament, reiterating the sacredness of the confessional space.

The Archbishop acknowledged prevalent apprehensions among the faithful, including concerns about Priests’ confidentiality and the fear of sin disclosure. He debunked the notion of Priests discussing confessions, citing the gravity of such an act within the context of priestly obligations and the sanctity of the confessional seal.

In an appeal for transparency and dialogue, Archbishop Tamba Charles invited the faithful to express their reasons for abstaining from confession, pledging to address their concerns. He signaled hope that ongoing consultations leading to the second pastoral assembly would facilitate a deeper understanding of the community’s hesitations towards the sacrament.

Wrapping up his message, the 67-year-old Archbishop reiterated his commitment to shepherding his flock and expressed earnest concern for the spiritual well-being of the faithful. With an open invitation for dialogue and an unwavering dedication to pastoral care, Archbishop Edward Tamba Charles affirmed his resolve to confront the challenges facing the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation within the Archdiocese of Freetown.