Confirmation

Confirmation. In Sacramental theology, the rite whereby the grace of the Holy Spirit is conveyed in a fuller measure to those who have already received it in some degree at Baptism.

Many theologians have seen instances of Confirmation in references to the laying on of hands in the NT (e.g. Acts 8: 14–17), but in all the early evidence it is hard to discern the precise relationship between the various elements which were associated with initiation into the fullness of the Christian life. In the early 3rd cent. the laying on of hands and anointing with oil are depicted as an integral part of the Baptismal liturgy. In the mid-3rd cent. they are distinguished from the actual Baptism, and by the 4th cent. Confirmation, whether conferred by anointing or laying on of hands, was in the W. Church frequently a separate rite. As the number of candidates seeking admission to the Church made it impossible for the bishop to baptize them all in person, the parish clergy came regularly to administer Baptism and the part of the bishop in the initiation ceremonies was deferred until the next episcopal visitation, when candidates could be presented to the bishop for Confirmation. In the E. Church the practice of conferring Confirmation at the same time was retained. This was achieved by confining the bishop's part to the consecration of the oil used for anointing. The oil is then conveyed to the parish priest who performs the rite of Confirmation as occasion requires.

The theological significance of the rite has been, and still is, disputed. Some regard it as an integral part of, and in its effects indistinguishable from, Baptism; others as conveying a new gift of the Spirit, especially the grace necessary to strengthen the candidate in his conflict with evil.

Since the later Middle Ages the normal practice in the RC Church has been to confirm as soon as convenient after the seventh birthday, but since 1971 the possibility of a later age has been envisaged. Confirmation is normally administered during Mass. After the homily the candidates renew their Baptismal promises; the bishop, extending his hands over them, prays that they may receive the Holy Spirit and then traces the sign of the Cross with chrism on the forehead of each. In some cases priests can now confirm on their own with chrism blessed by the bishop, e.g. when receiving converts from another Communion.

At the Reformation the C of E continued the medieval practice, though the use of oil ceased in 1549 and the sign of the Cross in 1552. CW provides a shorter formula of administration than the BCP, but requires the bishop to address each candidate by name. According to the BCP no one is to be admitted to Communion until he is confirmed or ‘ready and desirous to be confirmed’, but since 1972 baptized members of other Churches have been admitted. Confirmation has traditionally been preceded by a formal course of instruction.

The rite is also in use among Lutherans and some other Protestant bodies.