tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15586866.post5164974079928069260..comments2023-12-24T12:00:43.714-05:00Comments on Tune: Kings Lynn: Next Sacramental Target: ConfirmationC. Wingatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13335513246185768918noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15586866.post-5950805585677593572012-06-08T17:09:21.003-04:002012-06-08T17:09:21.003-04:00When I challenged the removal of the confirmation ...When I challenged the removal of the confirmation requirement for leadership ministry I had my head handed to me much in the manner of John's to Salome. I do agree that confirmation needs a bit of clarification, but the vehemence of those who urge its removal altogether -- against the advice of folks like Margaret Mead who noted the importance of such transitions in adolescence, i.e., what confirmation used to be -- mystifies me. Even if it is just seen as a reaffirmation of baptism, in the bishop's presence, why is that seen as such a bad thing -- after all we have the 4x per year Renewal of Baptismal Vows by the whole congregation. We all understand, I think, that baptism is a once-in-a-lifetime event with a real regeneration and change and character... but we do support these other forms of reaffirmation, so why not confirmation, de minimis, as mostly harmless? Even if only a symbolic act, surely the symbolism of tactile connection with the episcopate ought to be worth a farthing in an Episcopal church!Tobias Stanislas Haller BSGhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08047429477181560685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15586866.post-61669766729523700812012-06-06T07:11:59.686-04:002012-06-06T07:11:59.686-04:00Well, the BCP actually does give a rationale for c...Well, the BCP actually does give a rationale for confirmation, but it seems as though the days of the prayer book having anything to do with the life of this church are long past.C. Wingatehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13335513246185768918noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15586866.post-55356008794871025112012-06-01T15:10:58.134-04:002012-06-01T15:10:58.134-04:00Two thoughts occur:
Firstly, it does seem plain t...Two thoughts occur:<br /><br />Firstly, it does seem plain that confirmation is a practice that, at very least, is desperately in need of some sacramental clarification. This is particularly true in light of the 79 BCP's emphasis on baptism. A former pastor of mine called confirmation a "sacrament in need of a theology." <br /><br />However, I am not sure that this is really what the removal/change of these canons is about. It is, I think, about exactly what Christopher Arnold says. I suppose I just have to ask "why?" Who are these people who seek leadership in the church and yet can't be bothered to stand in front of the bishop for a couple minutes? I don't understand, and no one who advocates for the change appears to want to speak plainly on the matter.Jon in the Natinoreply@blogger.com