The Tribune

By ALESHA CADET Tribune Features Reporter ADMINISTERING the sacrament of confirmation to seven young Bahamians, Bishop David Simpson of the Church of the Resurrection in Florida said the service was indeed a great turnout last Sunday. This recent trip made it Bishop Simpson's second visit at the Parish Church of The Nativity. The first being last year June to Commission the Church as a member of the International Communion of the Charismatic Episcopal Church (ICCEC). In an interview with Tribune Religion, Bishop Simpson said the preparation of the confirmation service was based on classes the participants took with local priest Father Etienne Bowleg, Rector of the Parish Church of The Nativity. He said they were taught on the basis of the Christian faith and teachings about communion. When describing a confirmation service, he said: "A confirmation is a ceremony and a service where young persons and adults have an opportunity to make a public stand of their faith and receive a blessing at the hands of the Bishop for their ministry." He said people who get confirmed, are making a decision to join as a believer. "The priest prepared them and I came over and confirmed them. The confirmation services are usually once a year because I can only generally visit once a year," he said. Apart from the seven participants at the confirmation service, Bishop Simpson also received 12 persons into the congregation. "With confirmation, I pray that God raises them up to be good people. I pray that they make a stand for God's people. Confirmation is an important transition in a person's life," said Bishop Simpson. Father Bowleg told Tribune Religion, the turnout of the service was "extremely encouraging and a marvelous one indeed." When speaking about the significance of the service, he said: " In the International Communion of the Charismatic Episcopal Church (ICCEC) it is not just a formality. It is a confirmation of a commitment to a life of one following Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord." Gloria Wallace, a member of the Parish Church of The Nativity added: "It was an extremely bless filled service and it was awesome to see the Bishop praying and speaking in tongues over the confirmands. I look forward to him coming back next year, it is a wonderful experience."