Confirmation

In the ceremony of Confirmation, God is asked to strengthen the faith of those who are being confirmed.

The period of confirmation classes is a time to deepen one's faith and knowledge of the Christian faith and the Lutheran confession.

The process culminates in the ceremony of Confirmation, where God is asked to strengthen the faith of those who are being confirmed. The congregation prays for them and they receive God's blessing. During the Confirmation ceremony those being confirmed confess their Christian faith by reciting the Creed and commit themselves to being disciples of Jesus.

After Confirmation one may take part in the Eucharist independently. One can also become a godparent and marry in the church.

Most Finnish youth take part in confirmation classes and are confirmed the year they turn 15. Confirmed church members aged 16 and over can vote in church elections. After reaching the age of 18 they may be candidates for the local parish council and other governing bodies.

In Finland Confirmation is a memorable event for families. In Vantaa, around 70 percent of the age group take part in confirmation classes.

Confirmation classes

In Confirmation class one studies the basics of the Christian faith and the Lutheran confession. Nine out of ten Finns attend the classes. For youth it is common to first get to know one's parish in a group and then attend a confirmation camp during summertime. For adults, confirmation classes may take the form of private lessons with a pastor, an online course or a series of small group meetings.

If you are an adult with no prior knowledge of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, confirmation classes are an opportunity to deepen your knowledge about Christianity. During the process you can reflect on life and faith with others. When you have completed your confirmation class you can decide whether become a member of the church and the local parish. At this point you can also decide to get baptised, if you haven't been baptised before.

Baptism and joining the church are optional and some people attend confirmation classes only to deepen their knowledge of Christian faith without joining the Evangelical Lutheran Church.

► If you're interested in confirmation classes, please contact your local parish.

Youths heading to confirmation.