What is Reaffirmation of Faith before the Bishop?

Bishop Wallis Ohl will visit St. Barnabas on Nov. 6^th.

One key ministry of bishops is their encouragement of the baptized.¹ As a celebrant in public worship, bishops witness lay-adults reaffirming their Baptismal vows. It’s not mere watching; such a witness touches our core as Episcopalian² Christian. On behalf of the people, God uses the loving-kind witness of our elected leaders as a sign of His grace to mark a milestone in the story of God’s people.

In our public liturgy, lay adults say “YES!” again to following Christ. Then the witnessing bishop asks God’s blessing for each one and lays blessing-hands on each. This blessing completes a reaffirmation.

Now Baptism is full membership in the church. Although past generations of Episcopalians spoke of a reaffirmation liturgy as “completing Baptism,”³ sacramental theologians see no roots for that notion in the early church. There is ONE baptism, ONE rite of new life in the Spirit and adoption into ONE body, of “many members, all-first class citizens.”⁴

But this new, public “YES!” underscores our role as followers. The vows we made (or that were made for us) always are our base-discipline of keeping to Christ. The new “YES!” reinforces a life without graduating to sit on our laurels. Our life experiences bring new challenges which broaden our walk with Him.

On Nov. 6^th we can simply restate our vows as a family. Instead, we choose to prepare individuals to represent us. At St. Barnabas, an eight week class allows these individuals a mini-forum to review the meaning of those vows.⁵ How do we know who should volunteer to study and to represent us?

A. I ask all unbaptized persons to attend this study. If you have never been baptized and I know about it, I’ll be inviting you personally.

B. If you are already a confirmed Episcopalian, you need not view your prior rite of reaffirmation as ineffective. Our central vision is to assert that life’s milestones bring a new accession to the Spirit’s strengthening power.⁶ The late Erik Erikson provides a good example of such milestones in his “ages for stages of development.” If you have turned 40 (Middle Adulthood) or turned 65 (Late Adulthood) since your prior rite, consider being a candidate for reaffirmation by attending our forum.

When long-time Episcopalians choose this vision, it encourages others to choose reaffirmation for the first time. It may also be the means of testing a calling to serve as a lay catechist.

C. If you are a youth at St. Barnabas and you will turn 16 before November of 2006, I ask you to consider studying with these adults. At 16, the Episcopal Church considers you an adult member. The holy men and women who govern our church have said:

It is expected that all adult members of this church, after appropriate instruction, will have made a mature public affirmation of their faith and commitment to the responsibilities of their Baptism AND will have been confirmed or received by a Bishop of this Church or by a Bishop of a Church in communion with this Church.⁷

At your baptism, your godparents (with your parents) promised to help you grow into the full stature of Christ. It would also bless the forum if they attended as your sponsors for Confirmation.

D. If you are a prospective member of St. Barnabas or if you are a member but have never affirmed your baptismal vows before an Anglican Bishop, I’m sad to say most of St. Barnabas think the class and the rite is just for you. Some will be disappointed if you don’t come.

But Episcopalian theologians would say that there is nothing “missing” or “incomplete” about your Baptism or any public witness you have made to your faith in the past. And yet, they (and I) would encourage to reaffirm your vows and receive the Bishop Ohl’s prayer of blessing. Your confirmation of faith is also a sign that life’s milestones bring a new accession of the Spirit’s strengthening power. Being a part of a new church is a milestone. A special blessing from our bishop appropriately marks that milestone.

Christ has called this parish to recognize His work through our denomination. He gives to our bishops the ministry of encouraging the baptized. This support shows most strongly in a special episcopal blessing to the newly baptized adults, to youth passing into adulthood and to those marking milestones in their faith journey.

We also believe that, if Christ is calling you, then that calling will bless all of St. Barnabas’ family. We will be renewed through your renewal. We too may set small milestones in our life as our vows become more grounded in the essence of who we are.

Our classes will begin Sunday September 11^th through October 23^rd from 12:30 to 1:30 pm. The class will decide the date of our eighth class time together. May all St. Barnabas watch and pray for the renewing strength of the Spirit.

In Christ,
David J. Mossbarger+

Endnotes
¹ Book of Common Prayer, p. 518 ²The name “Episcopal” comes from the Greek word, used in Scripture, for bishop/overseer “episcopos.” ³ For example, our denominational ancestors, from 1281 to 1971, refused communion to those who hadn’t received the bishop’s laying on of hands. The ecumenical movement helped bring about the change in 1971. ⁴ Liturgy for Living , p. 114 I will grant that all dioceses of the Episcopal Church don’t let it’s first class young citizens vote until obtaining a certain age. Also, in the Diocese of Northwest Texas, the laying on of hands is not required to vote in parish elections although there are ministries which require this rite. ⁵ Liturgy for Living, p.128 ⁶ Ibid, p. 129