John 20:21-23

    <p class=default>
      
        Jn.20:  21.  Then said Jesus to them again,
      
      
        <b> Peace be unto you: </b>
      
      
        as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.  22.  And when he had said this, he 
        breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: 23.  Whose soever sins 
        ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain 
      
      
        (does this say something about the role of Catholic priests?), 
      
      
        they are retained.
      
    </p>

<p>

      
        Spoken to the disciples
      
    <br/>

      
        	This speaks to the authority and ability given by Jesus to make spiritual decisions and 
        judgements that are recognized by God in heaven.
      
    <br/>

      
        	Does the church forgive sins as Jesus did?  Not in the issue of salvation, but in the 
        sense of judgement.  This applies to the issue of church discipline and decision-making.
      
      
        
      
    </p>