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BISHOP OF SOUTHWARK CONFIRMS OVER 80 PEOPLE IN CATHEDRAL SERVICE THIS EASTER

10 May 2004

On Saturday 8 April, more than 80 Christians descended on Southwark Cathedral from churches across the whole Diocese of Southwark to be confirmed at one of the largest confirmation services the Cathedral has seen for a long time.

The Bishop of Southwark, Rt Rev Dr Tom Butler led the Confirmation service, which took place on Holy Saturday as part of the Cathedral's series of Easter services. He confirmed each of the 86 candidates, as well as baptising 12 of them. He also presided over the Eucharist, at which the newly confirmed candidates received their first communion.

In his sermon, Bishop Tom addressed the newly confirmed group, saying, "Baptism and confirmation are big events in the lives of all Christian people. In baptism, God calls us as his own and sets his grace upon us, bringing us to new life in Jesus. In confirmation, we declare publicly that we promise to live as those who are graced by God and who do indeed live the risen life of Christ. Whether our baptism and our confirmation are many, many years apart or whether they happen together, God makes promises to us, which he will never break, and we in our turn promise to be his faithful disciples."

Ends.

For further information contact: 

Diocesan Communications Officer
Tel: 020-7939 9400
Mobile: 07831-694021
Fax: 020-7939 9468