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Robin,

I am thankful that you have decided to chime in. The relating of your experiences is most instructive as to what can and often does happen when the indiscriminate revealing of sins is done before a group, particularly when those sins have nothing to do with the individuals within the group. However, as true as what you have expressed may be, we certainly cannot base the practice of group confession of personal sins upon what might or might not happen, as I am more than certain you are not suggesting. The practice must be based upon what Scripture teaches. If it can be substantiated from proper exegesis of relevant passages thus establishing the warrant to do so, then it must be done. On the other hand, if there is no biblical support to establish the practice then it must be forbidden and not practiced.

Your understanding of the passage in James 5:15,16 I believe is correct. The context restricts this confession of one's sins to one another restricts it to a particular and specific situation where one is sick, perhaps even due to sin(s) committed and with the hope that such confession will result in healing of the sinner. Further, the context names the specific people who are to be present at this confession of the one stricken with illness; the Elders of the church. It is to them that this confession of sin is to be made; those to whom the keys of the kingdom have been entrusted.

Again, thank you for your participation and insights. I, for one, do appreciate it.