Mourners'_bench
Mourner's bench
Bench located in front of the chancel of a church
The mourner's bench or mourners' bench, also known as the mercy seat or anxious bench, in Methodist and other evangelical Christian churches is a bench located in front of the chancel.[1][2][3] The practice was instituted by John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist Church.[4]
Individuals kneel at the mourners' bench to experience the New Birth. Some of those who have already had the New Birth go there to receive entire sanctification. 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.[4] In keeping with the doctrine of the mortification of the flesh, penitents do not kneel on kneeler cushions but instead kneel on the floor.[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]