In Christianity, confessionalism is a belief in the importance of full and unambiguous assent to the whole of a movement's or denomination's teachings, such as those found in Confessions of Faith, which followers believe to be accurate summaries of the teachings found in Scripture and to show their distinction from other groups - they hold to the Quia form of confessional subscription.
Confessionalists believe that differing interpretations or understandings, especially those in direct opposition to traditionally held teachings, cannot be accommodated within a church communion.
Adherents of confessional churches have often made a public profession of faith to declare agreement with their particular confession.
In the late 18th century the term confession started to expand to religious bodies sharing a common creed.
Labelling Christian groups “confessions” implied a certain degree of civil progress and tolerance, accepting that other parties also claimed absolute truth.
In intra-Christian dialogue, confessionalism was a significant consideration during the colloquies of Regensburg, Marburg, Montbéliard, and Kassel.
Confessionalists generally counter that the "spirit and values" of any given faith cannot be attained without first knowing truth as given in formal dogmas.