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21
Nov
2018
Our son was 14 when he came up for confirmation. For those not familiar with the policies of the United Church of Canada, confirmation was a ritual by which young people who were already members of the church by their baptism became “full” members by “confirming” the promises made on their behalf by their parents before they were capable of making any decisions for themselves, so that they could participate fully in church life.
Back then, it was still believed that young people actually wantedto join the church.
So they went through a three-step process. First, they had to learn what the church historically believed. And why. And why it mattered.
Then they were allowed to belong to this community of faith. And then, once they been absorbed into the body politic, they were expected to act – to behave, in other words – like true Christians.
Believe. Belong. Behave. That was the way it was done.
Categories: Soft Edges
Tags: Confirmation, United Church of Canada, joining