Peter, you are obviously entitled to your opinion on the forgiveness of sins, but the relevance to the theme of the thread is remote.

The sole basis for such a belief is John 20:22-23. We take Christ at His word. Were it not for this commission there would be no such belief.

I've already given examples of how sacramental absolution exists apart from civil responsibility for one's crimes.

A penitent can certainly confess his sins directly to the Father in private prayer, but in sacramental confession one actually hears the words of absolution, and one is able to receive advice to how to deal with one's moral shortcomings. Making a good confession and then receiving the Lord in the Eucharist feels like taking about 20 hot, soapy showers in a row. But I understand that those who have not had the experience find it hard to understand.

If such procedures seem 'dumb' to you, then you probably shouldn't be a Catholic, or Eastern Orthodox, or an Anglican/Episcopalian.

I'm hoping that there will eventually be an upside to this horrible scandal and that the Church will make significant changes. Eliminating the sacrament of reconciliation will not be one of them.