It is the offspring of faith pronounced by a martyr or a confessor (1 Tim. 6:13; 2 Cor. 9:13), and so in general its a declaration of religious belief. In this sense, many ancient creeds, viz. the Coptic baptismal creed, start by the words, "I or we confess... "
The acknowledgment of sin before God. Private or communal confession in the presence of a priest is integral with confession before God.
We confess that we are sinners, not ignoring the work of God in our lives. We condemn ourselves and praise God for His free grace.
The priest, as a father, cares for his children in confession and helps them to carry on uprightly.
Dictionary of church terms. — St. GEORGE'S COPTIC ORTHODOX CHURCH SPORTING - ALEXANDRIA EGYPT. Fr. Tadros Yacoub Maiaty.