'Prepare to be subversive' was the message Bishop Michael gave to candidates for confirmation, reception and reaffirmation at two services this May. Seventy five individuals, along with their families, friends and parish supporters, gathered at Christ Church Cathedral on May 8th and 15th in celebration of the sacrament of confirmation.
Recounting stories of Christians stepping out in faith from his recent visits to East Africa and to Taiwan, the Bishop told those gathered that they too should consider themselves to be making a commitment to life with the Spirit which could be considered unusual or downright subversive in the context of spirituality in the Pacific Northwest. He encouraged candidates to step out in their faith and to make their influence felt beyond the churches, whether it be in political issues of in standing against injustice. And to do so knowing the Church which they have committed to being a part of will stand with them.
As well as the sixty confirmations which took place from nineteen parishes around the diocese, there were also fifteen candidates who were received into the Anglican Communion, or who reaffirmed their commitment. This year's services followed on from a diocesan wide preparation day, Confirmation for the Rest of Your Life, which the majority of those being confirmed attended back in April.
Recounting stories of Christians stepping out in faith from his recent visits to East Africa and to Taiwan, the Bishop told those gathered that they too should consider themselves to be making a commitment to life with the Spirit which could be considered unusual or downright subversive in the context of spirituality in the Pacific Northwest. He encouraged candidates to step out in their faith and to make their influence felt beyond the churches, whether it be in political issues of in standing against injustice. And to do so knowing the Church which they have committed to being a part of will stand with them.
As well as the sixty confirmations which took place from nineteen parishes around the diocese, there were also fifteen candidates who were received into the Anglican Communion, or who reaffirmed their commitment. This year's services followed on from a diocesan wide preparation day, Confirmation for the Rest of Your Life, which the majority of those being confirmed attended back in April.
Please click the link to access an audio file of Bishop Michael's Sermon recorded May 8th, 2011