KUCHING – Seventy candidates were confirmed in the Anglican Confirmation Service at St Faith’s Church, Kuching, on Sunday, marking an important milestone in their Christian faith journey.
The service on October 4 was presided over by The Right Reverend Datuk Danald Jute, Bishop of Kuching, and attended by YBhg Dato Georgina Apphia Ngau, director of the Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR).
The 70 candidates had undergone approximately six months of preparation and instruction in the Christian faith before taking part in the Confirmation service.
Some of those confirmed had also recently received Holy Baptism, completing another significant stage in their entry into the Christian faith.
Within the Anglican tradition, Confirmation represents a public affirmation of faith and a reaffirmation of an individual’s baptismal commitment. It is regarded as an significant step in the continuing development of a Christian’s faith and participation in the Church.
During the service, each candidate affirmed their faith and baptismal commitment before the Bishop laid hands on them and prayed for the strengthening and guidance of the Holy Spirit.
The ceremony was attended by family members, clergy, and members of the St Faith’s Church congregation, creating a gathering that brought together the candidates and the wider church community.
For the candidates, the service marked the culmination of months of preparation and instruction. The period leading up to Confirmation provides an opportunity for participants to deepen their understanding of Christian teachings and reflect on the responsibilities associated with their faith.
The presence of family members and fellow members of the congregation also highlighted the communal nature of the occasion. Religious milestones such as Confirmation are often observed not only as personal moments of faith but also as occasions shared with family and the wider faith community.
The service further reflected the continuing role of churches as places where members of the community gather for worship, religious instruction and important rites of passage.
The participation of UNIFOR director Dato Georgina Apphia Ngau also reflected the engagement of the state religious affairs unit with non-Islamic places of worship and their communities.
UNIFOR is responsible for matters relating to support for other religions in Sarawak and has been involved in engagement with non-Islamic religious institutions across the state.
The Confirmation service brought together the church’s clergy, candidates, families, and congregation for a ceremony centred on faith, commitment and spiritual guidance.
Following the service, UNIFOR extended its congratulations to all 70 candidates and expressed its wishes for their continued growth in faith, wisdom, and service.
The candidates were also encouraged to carry the values associated with their faith into their involvement with the Church and the wider community.
The occasion at St Faith’s Church therefore marked both an individual and communal milestone, as the newly confirmed members continued their Christian journey with the support of their families, clergy and fellow members of the congregation. – Sarawak Daily
