Baptism and Confirmation

In the sacrament of Holy Baptism, “the outward and visible sign is water, in which candidates are baptized ‘in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit’ (Matthew 28:19). The inward and spiritual grace is death to sin and new birth to righteousness, through union with Christ in his death and resurrection (Romans 6:1-11)” (Book of Common Prayer 2019, page 160). It is not just something believers do in response to God’s grace; rather, it is primarily a work of God himself, through his Church, which we receive through faith.

In the Anglican tradition, we baptize both the infants and children of believing parents and those who can speak for themselves. Baptism is ideally by full immersion, but may also be done by pouring or sprinkling of water.

Because baptism is not only a cleansing of sin and incorporation into the church but also the beginning of a whole new life, serious preparation is required. This includes instruction in the Catechism for those who are of sufficient age to understand it, and thorough instruction of the godparents and parents of those who are not yet of sufficient age. In order that those who are baptized may continue faithfully in their new life in Christ, appropriate follow-up and ongoing discipleship are essential.

Confirmation continues the New Testament practice of the apostolic laying on of hands, with prayer that the person being confirmed may be equipped and empowered by the Holy Spirit for work in the world. It is therefore, like baptism, a sign of God’s action through his Church. It is also an occasion for human action: the liturgical opportunity for a mature, public declaration of faith in Jesus Christ. Like baptism, it should be preceded by thorough instruction in the Catechism and other basics of Christian faith and practice. In the Anglican Church in North America, only a Bishop can confirm. It is expected that those who are baptized either as infants or as adults will make a public profession of faith and receive this apostolic laying on of hands.

Candidates for ordination must have received Christian baptism. They must also have received Confirmation from a bishop in apostolic succession. They should understand and be able to explain clearly the theology of baptism expressed in the Prayer Book and stated in the Catechism, and they should be prepared to offer appropriate instruction to those who seek baptism (for themselves or their children) or confirmation.

Areas of Liturgics

1. History of Christian Worship
2. Content and use of The Book of Common Prayer
3. Daily Office
4. Corporate and Private Prayer
5. Sacramental Theology
6. The Holy Eucharist
7. Baptism and Confirmation
8. Marriage and Children
9. Rites of Healing
10. Death and Burial
11. Sanctification of Time
12. Sanctification of Space
13. Liturgy and Music
14. Liturgy and Mission