Married couples’ need to be reconciled with one another, with society and with God

The few available empirical studies show a purifying and relieving effect of the sacrament of Reconciliation and the possibility of reconnecting with others. A change towards a humbler attitude among the clergy, a language adapted to a postmodern mindset and more attention for the social dimension of sin could reawaken the declined interest in the sacrament. Reflecting on data obtained from interviews (n = 24) with migrant and intercultural couples living in the Netherlands, it is made clear that positive effects of the sacrament were confirmed by some, whereas other interviewees use other means to seek reconciliation with God or prefer to resolve conflicts within their relationship directly with their partner. Finally, several ways are indicated to increase the attractivity of the sacrament of Reconciliation.