A confession of sins is required as part of the repentance process. The Lord said,
“By this ye may know if a man repenteth of his sins—
behold, he will confess them and forsake them”(D&C 58:43).
All sins are to be confessed to God. Confession to proper priesthood leaders is also necessary for those sins that jeopardize one’s standing or membership in the Church, so that proper Church action can be determined to help the sinner receive forgiveness. Only God can grant forgiveness of sins, but priesthood leaders can rightly determine what action needs to be taken to help the sinner, to preserve the good name of the Church of Jesus Christ, and to see that justice is done.