Go in Peace

With striking clarity and tenderness, Gatta and Smith carry their readers into the very midst of God's mysterious power to undo what has grown broken or disfigured, illusory or heartless in human lives. Because this saving and healing action of God is so compelling through the words of this book, the authors' wisdom and practical advice are transformational. All who are involved in the sacramental ministry of reconciliation or spiritual direction will be grateful for this book. -Mark A. McIntosh, Van Mildert Professor of Divinity, Durham University and Canon Residentiary of Durham Cathedral As the churches struggle to articulate a spirituality that is scriptural, creedal, and accessible, the authors of this excellent handbook remind us that what is ancient can also be timely. Affirmed by the long experience of Christians and the well-tested insights of modern psychotherapists, sacramental confession grew out of unblinking self-knowledge and pastoral compassion, and Christians over the centuries have learned that facing and being reconciled with the truth about oneself brings both healing and humility. -E. Rozanne Elder, Director, Center for Cistercian and Monastic Studies, Western Michigan University Julia Gatta and Martin Smith are eminently qualified, both as experienced priests and penitents, to offer guidance to members of the clergy who are unfamiliar with or unprepared to offer this ministry of healing and reconciliation. . . . Go in Peace is not simply about imparting a pastoral competency, but an invitation to those who are ordained as ministers of word and sacrament to avail themselves of this sacramental encounter with the risen Christ for their own soul's health. -Frank T. Griswold, XXV Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church