How Does Adult Conversion Work?

[seeking.IAM]

How does a baptized adult from another tradition formally become Anglican?

I've been worshiping in an Episcopal Church off and on for the past two years. The welcoming nature of the Church and the open Eucharist almost seems to negate formally becoming Anglican.

So, how it is supposed to work?

 

[RadixLecti]

How does a baptized adult from another tradition formally become Anglican?

I've been worshiping in an Episcopal Church off and on for the past two years. The welcoming nature of the Church and the open Eucharist almost seems to negate formally becoming Anglican.

So, how it is supposed to work?

If you've already been baptised, confirmation. I would also strongly recommend taking a Discovery course or an Alpha course. I've been through both. They are great places to learn about Anglican specifics as well as Christianity as a whole.

 

[KatacrossthePond]

Yep confirmation would be the thing. Most parishes should offer confirmation classes, which sometimes are even offered as an Alpha course.

Alternatively, if you have already been confirmed elsewhere (like I have - Lutheran) or you don't want to be confirmed, you can just be 'welcomed' into the Anglican church. Basically, this means that during a service, the (ordained) minister calls you forward, sometimes asks you to say a few words like why you have chosen to join the Anglican denomination, and then shakes your hand and welcomes you formally into the Anglican church. I have to do this at some point (preferably before I get ordained ) because I'm actually not yet an Anglican...

 

[EvAnglican]

I think you just go to church and get involved in its ministry.

You can have a more formal welcome if you like, but it is not necessary.

 

[Wiffey]

Usually there are classes, or, if there are no other adults to be confirmed, the priest may choose to meet with you individually. That is what happened with me, I met with the priest several times to discuss things, etc.


I was confirmed yesterday.

 

[Naomi4Christ]

I was confirmed yesterday.

Well done

 

[karen freeinchristman]

I was confirmed yesterday.

That is wonderful, Wiffey!

 

[DeoJuvante]

I think you just go to church and get involved in its ministry.

You can have a more formal welcome if you like, but it is not necessary.

Yes, some Anglican churches don't care about confirmation. However, generally speaking, you would need to be confirmed or received (if you have been confirmed already). I am assuming you are already baptised because you mentioned open communion.

 

[Father Rick]

The BoCP lists the "Rite of Reception" tied into the Rite of Baptism (see pages 309-310). It is very similar to confirmation, with a renewal of the baptismal covenant. Rather than confirming, however, hands are laid on each person being received with the following prayer

For Reception
N., we recognize you as a member of the one holy catholic
and apostolic Church, and we receive you into the fellowship
of this Communion. God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
bless, preserve, and keep you. Amen.

Prior to this actually happening, the parish priest will want to get copies of your baptismal/confirmation records and there may be classes, as some have mentioned, so that you understand just what the Anglican Communion teaches/believes.

 

[seeking.IAM]

Thanks for the info. The church where I've been worshiping is getting a new Rector in June. I think I'll camp out and let him get settled. Then we'll have a chat.

 

[PaladinValer]

If you've never received the equivalent of a Confirmation before, then Confirmation is your road to official membership.

If you have received a Confirmation (or Chrismation, though I can see you are not EO), then you should ask to be Received.

In either case, ask the rector about Confirmation/Reception classes and/or attend adult education classes. I'm quite certain that, even if you're the only one, the rector or another cleric will take the time to provide for you.