Confirmation

There has been a long debate about the place of Confirmation, which is clearly similar to baptism in it’s intent. Many of the orthodox traditions celebrate the two as a single rite. For a long time in the Church of England Conformation was seen as a requirement for participation in the Holy Communion.

It needs to be said that Baptism is complete in itself. We are Baptised in the Name of the Holy Trinity, and we are baptised into Christ. Once a person is Baptised they can no longer be a visitor at Church because they have become intrinsically part of the Church, members with all Baptised Persons of the Body of Christ.

With the practice of Infant Baptism there was always expressed a clear need for the opportunity for the child as they grew and developed to have their own voice, and the opportunity to confess and profess their faith publicly for themselves, and for the Church, in the person of the Bishop walking in the footsteps of the Holy Apostles, to confirm that declaration of faith and the Church’s commitment to this member of the Body of Christ.

There are times when your people are admitted to the Holy Communion , aside from Confirmation, when it seems pastorally appropriate.

Confirmation is a great opportunity to celebrate the faith we have, and give our own voice to the promises that were made at our Baptism.