Confessor of the Faith

Confessor of the Faith is a title used in some Christian traditions, particularly in the Catholic Church and Eastern Orthodox Church, for Christians who publicly professed their faith during periods of Christian persecution and therefore had to suffer imprisonment, exile, torture, mutilation or other penalties without undergoing martyrdom. Such individuals are called confessors (Latin: confessores). In later usage, especially after the decline of major persecutions, the title was also applied to saints distinguished by heroic virtue and public witness to the faith, including popes, bishops, abbots, kings and hermits were also counted among the confessors.

With the spread of Christianity and the decrease in persecution of Christians in the 5th century, this designation was also given to those Christians who lived a holy life, such as the English king Edward the Confessor.