From BrWiki
Hjalstone massacre ยป Penance
A tradition of some branches of the church of Anduiras, and in modern times Haelyn (also known amongst Avani's followers) is that of Penance.
When a follower has done something morally wrong (but likely not illegal) they would state their 'crimes' to a priest, and accept a Penance that was laid upon them by the priest. Traditionally, penance was viewed as a punishment, and varyied with the character and heinousness of the offenses committed. In the early days of the Anuirean Empire "doing penance" often involved severe and/or public discipline, which could be both harsh and humiliating but was considered edifying.
Penance is generally public, and often includes making reparations to the wronged (or in their absence the church) or making good injury that has been suffered by another due to the guilty parties actions.
It should be noted that doing wrong and committing a crime are separate things, typically penance is imposed by a priest / the guilty party on someone who is morally in the wrong, committing a crime is breaking the law of the state.
A modern visible (if rare) act of self imposed penance is the Khinasi saying "Sei bhada hejj-sayim"" - I am without face, where the Khinasi lives in self-imposed exile for a period until they have atoned for their sin).
An example of where penance might be sought is where a noble's troops sack a village - the noble has not committed a crime (unless they ordered the sacking in an illegal manner) but might well seek penance for not controlling their troops properly. Penance for this might involve paying compensation to the families of the dead, rebuilding property, buying new animals, forfeiting rank, etc.
(with thanks to wikipedia)
