Rebuke facts for kids

A rebuke is like a formal telling-off or a strong warning given to a member of the clergy. Clergy are religious leaders, such as priests or ministers, in a church. It's a way for the church to show its disapproval when someone has done something wrong.

What is a Rebuke?

A rebuke is the least serious type of official warning that can be given to clergy in the Church of England. It's less serious than a "monition," which is a more formal order to change behavior.

Rebuke in the Church of England

In English law and the rules of the Church of England, a rebuke can be given in two ways. A bishop, who is a senior church leader, can give the rebuke in person. It can also be given by an ecclesiastical court. This is a special court that deals with matters related to the church and its rules.

Rebuke in the Church of Scotland

Historically, in the Church of Scotland, a rebuke was an important step for people who had done something wrong. It was a way for them to show they were sorry and make up for their actions.

Public and Private Rebuke

Often, this involved standing or sitting in front of everyone in the church for up to three Sundays. During this time, the minister would give a strong speech about their actions. Sometimes, there was a special "repentance stool" near the pulpit (where the minister speaks) for this purpose. In some places, the person even had to wear sackcloth, which was a rough, uncomfortable material, to show their regret.

From the 1770s, church leaders started giving private rebukes more often. This was especially true for men from important families. However, until the 1820s, people who were poor almost always received a public rebuke.