Final answer:
Confirmation in the Roman Catholic Church and the Church of England has similarities but also differences. Both consider confirmation a sacrament of initiation, but the practices and administration of the sacrament can vary. Roman Catholic confirmation typically occurs in adolescence, while Church of England confirmation can vary in age and practice.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Roman Catholic belief of confirmation and the Church of England belief of confirmation have some similarities but also some key differences. In both traditions, confirmation is considered a sacrament that signifies a person's commitment to their faith and their initiation into the church. However, there are differences in the understanding of the sacrament and its administration.
In the Roman Catholic Church, confirmation is typically received in adolescence, usually around the age of 12-14. It is seen as a sacrament of initiation, along with baptism and the Eucharist. The sacrament is administered by a bishop, who anoints the person with holy chrism and lays hands on them, invoking the Holy Spirit.
The person being confirmed receives the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. Confirmation is seen as strengthening the recipient's bond with the church and empowering them to live out their faith.
In the Church of England, confirmation is also considered a sacrament of initiation, along with baptism and the Eucharist. However, the practice of confirmation varies within the Anglican tradition. Some Anglican churches follow a similar pattern to the Roman Catholic Church, with confirmation administered by a bishop through anointing with holy chrism and the laying on of hands.
Other Anglican churches may have priests administer confirmation, and the use of holy chrism may also vary. The age at which people are confirmed can also vary, with some being confirmed in adolescence and others in young adulthood. The purpose of confirmation is to affirm the individual's commitment to their faith and to strengthen their relationship with God and the church.