CONFIRMATION

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Of course, a baby cannot make decisions about its future. That is why it has godparents to help with its religious upbringing. But the time comes when a young person must choose for themselves: do they wish to be a Christian or not?

Young members of the Church of England usually make their decision at any time from about twelve years old and upwards. If they decide to become an adult member of the Church, they say so at a special service. This service is called confirmation. The young person is confirming [or agreeing to] the promises which the godparent made for him or her years earlier at their baptism or 'christen- ing.'

During the Confirmation Service a bishop will place his hands on the person's head; or he may anoint them with oil; or he may simply hold their hand. But first he will ask some questions just to make sure that the person knows and understands what they are confirming.

'Do you turn to Christ?'
Do you repent of your sins?
Do you renounce evil?
[The person confirms that they do]

Do you believe and trust in God the Father who made the world?
Do you believe and trust in His Son, Jesus Christ, who redeemed mankind?
Do you believe and trust in the Holy Spirit who gives life to the people of God?
[The person confirms that this is their belief]

Of course, this ceremony is very important. The person being confirmed must believe the answers that he or she makes. They must also know enough about Christian beliefs to understand what they are saying.

So people who want to be confirmed first have to attend a course of preparation. This may last as long as a year or more. The course will cover all aspects of Christian beliefs. At the end, the person should understand what it means to be a Christian

Teenagers at Winterslow church wrote their own list of beliefs or ' creed':

Anglicans can receive holy communion after being confirmed whereas Roman Catholics can do so before their confirmation. Girls often wear long white dresses and veils for their first Holy Communion.es

' I believe in God, the loving Creator of light and life,
and of all things, seen and unseen.

I believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, who lived on earth;
the perfection of light and life. Born into a simple family,
through the power of the Holy Spirit; He suffered and was crucified by man.
He rose again and His presence and forgiveness are forever with us.

I believe in the Holy Spirit; one with God and Jesus. Eternally present, He is our guide and helper. Like the wind, we feel his presence.

I believe in the Church as one family, who gather together to share the love of Christ. I believe that life in God is like a circle, with no beginning and no end.
Amen.