Baptism and Confirmation
Baptism and confirmation are important Christian steps, but churches do not all understand or practise them in exactly the same way.
Baptism marks entry into Christian life. Confirmation is a later public affirmation of faith in churches that practise it.
What baptism means
Baptism uses water as a sign of forgiveness, new life and belonging to Christ and his Church.
It points to leaving an old life behind and beginning a new life with God. Christians also connect baptism with Jesus’s death and resurrection.
Babies, children and adults
Anglican, Catholic, Orthodox, Methodist and some other churches baptise babies and children. Parents and godparents make promises to help them grow in Christian faith.
Baptist, Pentecostal and some other churches usually baptise only those old enough to declare faith for themselves.
Adults can be baptised. A local church will normally offer some preparation and conversation first.
How baptism is carried out
Some churches pour or sprinkle water over the person. Others lower the person fully into water.
The amount of water differs, but baptism is normally carried out using water and in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
What confirmation means
Confirmation is a public step in which a baptised person affirms Christian faith for themselves and receives the Church’s prayer for the Holy Spirit’s help.
In some churches, confirmation is also connected with becoming a full member of the church or beginning to receive Communion.
Do all Christians get confirmed?
No. Confirmation is practised especially in Anglican, Catholic, Orthodox, Methodist and some other churches.
Many Baptist, Pentecostal and independent churches do not have a separate confirmation ceremony. They may instead emphasise believer’s baptism or church membership.
How baptism and confirmation differ
Baptism is the foundational sign of beginning Christian life. Confirmation, where it is practised, is a later affirmation and strengthening of that faith.
Someone baptised as a baby may later be confirmed when ready to affirm the Christian faith personally.
What happens before either step
A church will usually invite you to meet a priest, vicar, minister or preparation leader. You may be asked to attend church for a period and join a short course or series of conversations.
This preparation is intended to help you understand the promises involved. Making an enquiry does not commit you to proceeding.
What to do next
Contact a local church and ask to speak to someone about baptism or confirmation. The exact process depends on the church tradition.
You could write:
“Hello. I would like to understand more about baptism or confirmation, but I am not sure how the process works. Could someone speak to me about the first step?”