Sacrament of confirmation
Confirmation
Confirmation is a sacrament, ritual or rite of passage practised by several Christian denominations. The word means strengthening or deepening one's relationship with God.
Confirmation is a popular practice in the Roman Catholic, Anglican and Orthodox Churches where infant baptism is also performed. It enables a baptised person to confirm the promises made on their behalf at baptism. It is also a sign of full membership to the Christian community.
In Christian confirmation, a baptised person believes that he or she is receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit. A bishop usually conducts the service but there are variations in how it is carried out.
In the Anglican Church, the sacrament of confirmation is conferred through the laying of hands. In the Roman Catholic Church, each participant is also anointed with oil.
In Protestant denominations outside the Church of England, confirmation is seen as a rite of passage or initiation to full Christian discipleship. It is a symbolic act allowing the baptised person to make a mature statement of faith. Confirmation is not regarded as a sacrament or a means of conferring divine grace.
Confirmation can be held at any age. In the Eastern Churches, it is conferred on infants straight after baptism. In the West, most denominations insist that participants are old enough to understand the significance of their promises.
Christians believe Jesus instituted the sacrament or rite of confirmation when he promised to send another counsellor to empower his disciples to bear witness. (John 14:16; John 15:26; John 16:13).
The roots of the practice of confirmation are found in the Acts of the Apostles:
Now when the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent them Peter and John, who went down and prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit, for it had not yet fallen upon any of them; they had only been baptised in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit.Acts 8:14-17
Preparing for confirmation
Confirmation candidates attend a series of special classes to learn about the sacrament, their faith and Christian responsibilities.
Confirmation preparation helps candidates to have a proper understanding of how to live as a follower of Christ.
At one time, candidates were required to learn a series of questions and answers by heart known as the catechism.
Today's classes are more comprehensive and the particular needs of candidates will be borne in mind.
Where confirmation takes place
Most Christians are confirmed in the church they normally attend. People can also be confirmed in another church where a large group of candidates from different churches come together.