profess

admit (to a wrongdoing)

state insincerely

“He professed innocence but later admitted his guilt”

confess one's faith in, or allegiance to

“The terrorists professed allegiance to their country”

practice as a profession, teach, or claim to be knowledgeable about

“She professes organic chemistry”

receive into a religious order or congregation

state freely

“The teacher professed that he was not generous when it came to giving good grades”

take vows, as in religious order

“she professed herself as a nun”