Twelve was the traditional age for confirmation in the Episcopal Church, when adolescents were invited to confirm the promises made for them at their baptisms. It was their turn to decide, we told them. We had spoken for them when they could not speak for themselves, choosing membership in Christ’s body for them the same way we chose warm clothes and nourishing food for them. On the verge of adulthood, they now had the choice. Did they desire to live the Christian life? Since it is difficult to say no to a question like that, most of them said yes. When the bishop came for his annual
...more
