Meaning of Confirmation
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The sacramental rite in
which the candidates "express a mature commitment to Christ, and receive
strength from the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands by a
bishop". Those who were baptized at an early age and those baptized as adults
without laying on of hands by a bishop are expected to make a mature public
affirmation of their faith, recommit themselves to the responsibilities of their
baptism, and receive laying on of hands. Adults baptized with the
laying on of hands by a bishop are considered to be confirmed.
The Episcopal Church's theology of Confirmation has continued to evolve along
with its understanding of baptism. Confirmation is no longer seen as the
completion of Christian initiation, nor is Confirmation a prerequisite for
receiving communion. Baptism is full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit
into Christ's body the church. Accordingly, Confirmation has been increasingly
understood in terms of a mature, public reaffirmation of the Christian faith and
the baptismal promises. Our diocese (Diocese of Long Island) requires that candidates for Confirmation
be at least
sixteen years old to insure that the
they are making a mature
and independent affirmation of their faith. There is considerable diversity of
understanding and practice concerning Confirmation in the Episcopal Church.
Confirmation has been characterized as "a rite seeking a theology."
The Prayer Book rite for Confirmation includes forms for Reception and the
Reaffirmation of Baptismal Vows. In our diocese, those who have already made a
mature Christian commitment in another denomination are recognized as members of
the one holy catholic and apostolic church, and received into the fellowship of
the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion. In other dioceses, those who
have been sacramentally confirmed in the Roman Catholic or Orthodox churches are
received and others are confirmed. Those who have returned from a time of
religious inactivity to an active practice of faith may publicly reaffirm their
baptismal vows. Others who have experienced a renewal of faith or desire to
renew their Christian commitment may also reaffirm their baptismal vows.
Reaffirmation may be repeated, depending on the pastoral needs of the person.
Preparation for Confirmation/ Reception/Reaffirmation should help the candidates
discover the meaning of Christian commitment in their lives, and explore ways
that their Christian commitment can be lived.
Candidates for Confirmation, Reception, and Reaffirmation are presented in
separate groups by their presenters. Candidates may have individual presenters
who will support them in their Christian life by prayer and example. It is not
necessary that the presenters be members of the clergy. The candidates reaffirm
their renunciation of evil, and renew their commitment to Jesus Christ. They
reaffirm the promises made by them or for them at the time of baptism. Those
present in the congregation promise to do all in their power to support the
candidates in their life in Christ. The bishop leads the congregation in
renewing the baptismal covenant. The Prayers for the Candidates from the
baptismal liturgy may be used as the Prayers for the Candidates for
Confirmation/Reception/Reaffirmation. The bishop lays hands on each
candidate for Confirmation. The Book of Common Prayer provides specific prayers
to be said by the bishop for Confirmation, for Reception, and for Reaffirmation.
The bishop may shake hands with those who are being received to welcome them
into this communion, and the bishop may lay hands on them in blessing. The
bishop may also bless those who reaffirm their baptismal vows.
28 September 2004
