412 Confirmation and/or admission to membership

412.1 Preamble

In 1983 the former Committee on Cooperative Ventures undertook a study of confirmation and/or admission to membership as it is associated with Cooperative Ventures. This study reaffirmed what ventures had been saying for some time – that, for many, confirmation is a point of tension, potentially divisive of local unity. Yet some times local unity may be bought at the cost of divergence from the separate traditions of the churches' partners in the venture.

412.2 A common service

Some have urged, from to time, the preparation of a common service of confirmation and/or admission to membership as a way of overcoming the tension. This course does not commend itself at the moment for the following reasons.

Within each of the Partners, understandings of confirmation and/or admission to membership are in such a state of change that to prepare a common service could solidify for Cooperative Ventures what is still fluid for the rest of the Partners.
In the area of confirmation and/or admission to membership, the Partners have not undertaken the degree of faith sharing essential to make it possible to gather some sort of common mind.
Within Cooperative Ventures there is no unanimity that the best way to proceed is to adopt a common service.
Worldwide study of the text Baptism Eucharist and Ministry will help to clarify areas of convergence and divergence in theology and practice.

It is appreciated that this problem will not go away. The Partners are being urged to urgently undertake the dialogue necessary.

412.3 Attitudes

Cooperative Ventures are asked to be positive in their attitude to sharing ways of resolving differences at this critical point. Ways to provide mutual recognition of membership are being sought.

412.4 Considerations

Four ideals should be aimed at in considering the practice of confirmation and/or admission to membership in Cooperative Ventures

a) Whatever is done must be done in good conscience, everybody involved able to participate with integrity.

b) Whatever is done must have a universal reference, taking into account the experience of the church in history and throughout the world.

c) Whatever is done must have a local reference, recognising the candidate as commissioned to service in this place with these Partners in Christ

d) Whatever is done must promote the unity of the church, a unity in this place as part of the unity of the church in every place and time.

412.5 Personal response

Personal response to Christ is an important part of the Christian pilgrimage. The act of Confirmation as part of the process of Christian initiation begins in baptism. It provides

empowering for ministry
acceptance of the person within the role of church decision making.

412.6 Baptism of believers

For members of the Associated Churches of Christ, the same elements are to be found in the rite of baptism of believers.

412.7 Preparation

Preparation for the act of confirmation and/or admission to membership should include careful nurture and preparation of candidate(s) and planning by the parish council.

In both the Methodist and Anglican Churches the universal reference is symbolised by the presence or action of the bishop or superintendent. In the Associated Churches of Christ, Congregational Union and Presbyterian Churches, the minister of the parish bears that responsibility. Preparation should include early and equal dialogue amongst those who bear this responsibility. Such dialogue, regularly entered into, can only deepen appreciation of the convergence and differences in understandings of confirmation and/or admission to membership.

It is important that parish councils and the appropriate representatives of the wider church should make decisions about the service of confirmation and/or admission to membership together, always with a view to sustaining the unity of the worshipping body.

412.8 Admission

An increasing number in the Anglican, Methodist and Presbyterian Churches see admission to communion prior to confirmation and/or admission to membership is an important step in the process of Christian initiation. Some Cooperative Ventures have found this to be a helpful approach. Admission to communion prior to confirmation and/or admission to membership does not replace confirmation and/or admission to membership. The two acts must be clearly seen to be different. But it is an aid to the unity of the church because it is an act of the congregation involving some or all of the following.

a) Decision by families.

b) Decision by parish council.

c) A public act of recognition.

d) Acceptance by the parish council of responsibility for the continuing nurture of the person admitted.

e) Noting denominational guidelines already issued.

Note. Where the Associated Churches of Christ are a Partner in a venture it is important sensitively and pastorally to recognise the baptismal doctrine and practice of that church.

412.9 Partners response

There have been times when the Partners courts have not clearly responded to pain being felt in Cooperative Ventures in such matters as confirmation and/or admission to membership. There can also be a danger of Cooperative Ventures getting out of touch with changes, which have taken place in the rest of the church. Such changes have often arisen as the Partners attempt to respond to the experience of Cooperative Ventures.

412.10 Understandings

It is important, then that understandings continue to develop and that Cooperative Ventures be part of the process of growth and understanding. In this regard, parish consideration of Baptism, Eucharist and Ministry (Faith and Order Paper No 11 of the World Council of Churches) is a valuable resource.

412.11 Further dialogue

The Church worldwide is clearly in a process of change with regard to confirmation. There is also in New Zealand dialogue - Cooperative Venture to denominations, and denominations to Cooperative Ventures. As in all dialogue, it requires participants to listen patiently and speak honestly. Cooperative Ventures offer a point of growth for the church at large, as their experience is offered to, and shared by, the whole church.