noun
confession
A formal statement of beliefs, especially religious faith.
The church's confession sets out its central beliefs about God.
Etymology
The Latin verb includes acknowledging or declaring openly. A religious confession formally states the beliefs acknowledged by a person or community, rather than admitting an offense.
More examples
- New members study the confession before joining the church.
- These two confessions differ in their teachings about baptism.
- The congregation adopts a confession that affirms its shared faith.
Forms
confession · confessions
confessional adjective — Relating to a formally declared religious faith.
Similar words
- creed
- Often a shorter summary of a religious community's central beliefs.
- declaration
- A broader formal statement, not necessarily about religious beliefs.