ARMED FORCES BISHOP CONFIRMS THREE AT CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL
By J. Brock (FINN)
The Rt. Reverend, David Connor, Dean of Windsor and Bishop of the Armed Forces has confirmed three people: Dr. Roger Diggle, Hannah Arthur-Almond and Beverley Lee into the Church of England at a specially arranged service at Christ Church Cathedral on Sunday evening. There was a robed choir in attendance as well as a full congregation.
After the welcome and notices by the Rev. Paul Sweeting, the hymn "Praise My Soul The King of Heaven was sung and the collect read. The first reading by Daphne Arthur-Almond was Acts 8: 14 - 17. The Gospel reading by Keith Biles was from Luke 3: 15-17 and 21-22.
In his sermon, Bishop Connor talked about being called by name to God’s service and that Confirmation in the Church completes that call. He also said that it was a personal call to Christ that the Candidates decided to answer and that made it unique to them. These words were followed by the hymn "Father, Hear The Prayer We Offer."
The Confirmation then took place, with each Candidate stating that they had been baptised in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost and that they were ready to take the further step of Confirmation. The congregation then was asked whether they rejected the devil and all rebellion against God, whether they denounce deceit and corruption of evil, did they repent of sins, turn to Christ and accept him as the way, the truth and the life. They jointly answered in the affirmative to all the questions.
Kneeling before the Bishop, the candidates were addressed personally by him and then confirmed. Holy Eucharist, conducted by Rev. Paul Sweeting and Bishop Connor followed the ceremony and after the blessing and dismissal there was an opportunity to meet the Bishop over refreshments.
The photos show Bishop Connor with Hannah Arthur-Almond, one of the candidates and with Rev. Paul Sweeting after the Eucharist.
