Confessor - Definition and Overview

The title confessor is used in the Christian Church in two separate ways. It denotes any priest who has been granted the authority to hear confessions, and it is also used for a male saint who is not categorized in another category: martyr, apostle, or evangelist. Initially for a saint to be granted the title "confessor" he would have had to undergo persecution and torture (but not the resulting death required for martyrdom), however, as Christianity emerged as the dominant religion in Europe, persecutions became much less commonplace, and the title was given to saints who lived a holy life and died in peace. Perhaps the most well known example is the English king Edward the Confessor.

Alternate meaning: Confessor (Sword of Truth)