Mourner's bench

[1][2][3] The practice was instituted by John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist Church.

Others, especially backsliders,[5] use the mourners' bench to confess their sins and receive forgiveness, in order to continue the process of sanctification.

[6][7] At the mourners' bench, individuals receive spiritual counsel from a minister.

[8] Today many, but not all,[9] Methodist churches supplant the mourners' bench with chancel rails,[10] where Methodists, as well as other evangelical Christians receive Holy Communion, in addition to experiencing the New Birth, repenting of their sins, and praying.

[11] This article about the architecture of churches or other Christian places of worship is a stub.