Many of us brought up in the Anglican tradition were baptised as infants and confirmed as young teenagers, an event which was often linked to our first communion. By 1990, however, admission to Holy Communion prior to Confirmation had been taking place in a number of churches in our Province over a period of twelve years or more and in 1991, when representatives from the entire Anglican Communion met at the Inter Provincial Liturgical Consultation in Toronto, the final statement included these two points:
- Baptism is for people of all ages, both adults and infants.
- Baptism is complete sacramental initiation and leads to participation in the Eucharist. Confirmation and other rites of affirmation have a continuing pastoral role in the renewal of faith among the baptised but are in no way to be seen as a completion of Baptism or as necessary for admission to communion.
Many of you will remember the very moving services conducted by the Bishop Brian in February and November of last year, when some were confirmed and a number of adult members re-affirmed their baptismal promises. These events have made a great impact on a number of people, not just those directly involved, and Bishop Brian will be returning to Christ Church for another such service early in 2010 (date to be confirmed). Whether you are Anglican or from some other Christian tradition, if you wish to find out more about Confirmation or Affirmation (if you have already been confirmed and wish to re-affirm your baptismal promises) please be in touch with Susan or Anderson as soon as possible, and we will make arrangements to begin meeting in the autumn.