Father Coffey discusses the theology of the sacrament of reconciliation that emanated from the reformed rites that were promulgated after Vatican II. He treats the public nature of sin and forgiveness and shows that the Church has always been concerned to continue Christ's reconciling ministry in a public and sacramental way. Further, he treats the constitutive "parts" of the developed sacrament and analyzes the sacramental forms of reconciliation as well as the non-sacramental form in a way that reveals their complementarity. He concludes by suggesting some possibilities for the development of the sacrament.