Absolution

Absolution, a term generally used in the sense of remission of sins, although it was at one time a term in Roman law. There has been some difference in the forms of absolution as administered at different times, which may be classed as the precatory or optative, and the declaratory or indicative absolution. The latter is much more authoritative than the former; at first the formula in use was Deus or Christus absolvit te; later, however, this was changed to ego absolvo te. Absolution as used in ecclesiastical law signifies the release of the individual from church censures and from all penalties belonging to them. In the English Church service absolution is always precatory, except in the case of the Service for Visitation of the Sick, when it is indicative - the priest using the words, "By His authority committed to me, I absolve thee from all thy sins."