Confirmation

In the early days of the Church, new Christians were often baptised at Easter. After a course of instruction in the faith, they publicly entered into a new life. They repented of their sins, were assured of God's forgiveness and were baptised, often in a river. This was a symbol that they had died to their old life and, born again, been given a share in the Holy Spirit who came on Jesus at his baptism and, after his resurrection, was given to his disciples.

Generally, in the early Christian centuries, those who joined the Church were not only baptised with water: the bishop also laid his hands on them in blessing, a rite which later developed into what we know today as confirmation. Admission to the full membership of the Church was completed when they received Holy Communion for the first time. Baptism, confirmation and first communion still form the pattern today.

The Universal Church
It is in baptism that God receives you into Christ's Body, which makes you a member of the Universal Church. So the new Christian has joined something much bigger than the local congregation that has just welcomed him or her: and bigger than the Church of England. He or she is now a member of the universal or catholic Church, which stretches through history, across the world and into eternity.
 
The first step
Many people grow up in the Church because they have been baptised as babies and brought up in a Christian family. But that is not always the case. Increasing numbers of older people - from teenagers to grandparents - are making their own decision to join the Church. Sometimes, and for some people, this comes as a sudden conversion. For others, a curiosity about God, or about the person of Jesus, grows into a gradual awareness of his presence and an increasing conviction that he is asking for some kind of personal commitment from them. They feel the need to express that commitment by joining a worshipping community of the Church. Often today others follow a slightly different path. They get involved with their friends or their children in the social activities of their local church without having much interest in what the Church is really for. They enjoy the friendship of Christian people and get interested in the Church for its own sake. Gradually, they, too, feel that they want to belong.

What should you do, if you find yourself in this position?
Start by talking to your Christian friends or to Christians you know and trust. Come to church - with a friend if possible, so that you don't feel uncertain or embarrassed. At many churches today the congregation gathers for a cup of coffee after the main service on Sunday and newcomers are welcomed. This is a chance to meet other members of the congregation and to introduce yourself informally to the clergy.

To become a full member of the Church of England and receive Holy Communion you need to be confirmed. 
 

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