Conversion to Christianity

=== Confirmation ===
{{Main|Confirmation}}
Theologian Knut Alfsvåg writes that [[confirmation]] was first introduced by Pope Innocent I in the 5th century as part of the unified sacrament of baptism, chrismation (confirmation) and first communion that was commonly accepted by the 12th century. It was formally designated a sacrament in 1274 by the Council of Lyon.{{sfn|Alfsvåg|2022|pp=1, 6}}{{sfn|Warnke|1971|p=n/a}} Baptism, along with the declaration and instruction involved in confirmation, and the Eucharist, have remained the essential elements of initiation in all Christian communities, however, Alfsvåg writes that confirmation has differing status in different denominations.{{sfn|Alfsvåg|2022|p=1}}
[[File:(1918) Cape Mount, Confirmation Class.jpg|thumb|Confirmation class of 1918 at Cape Mount|alt=photo from 1918 of African children all dressed in white for confirmation at Cape Mount]]
Some see baptism, confirmation, and communion as elements of a unified sacrament  through which one becomes a Christian and part of the church.{{sfn|Alfsvåg|2022|p=1}} Also known as [[Chrismation]] by eastern Christians, under some circumstances, confirmation may be administered immediately after baptism. When an adult decides to convert to the Catholic or Orthodox Church, they become a "catechumen" and attend classes to learn what conversion means and requires. Once classes are completed and the candidate is baptized, adults can then be confirmed immediately following baptism. A clergy member will anoint their forehead, (or in the case of Byzantine Christians, the forehead, eyes, nostrils, mouth, ears, breast, hands, and feet), with the ''chrisma'' (oil) calling upon the [[Holy Spirit in Christianity|Holy Spirit]] to seal the convert with the gifts of the Spirit.{{sfn|Cabasilas|p=n/a|ps=: "Holy Baptism is the first of seven Sacraments in the Orthodox Christian Church. Together with the Sacrament of Holy Chrism (anointing with oil) it joins the candidate to the Mystical Body of Christ, the Church."}}

In Western churches that practice infant baptism, ([[Catholic Church]], the [[Church of England]], [[Anglicans]], [[Lutherans]], [[Presbyterians]], [[Congregationalists]], [[Methodists]], [[Church of the Nazarene|Nazarenes]], [[Moravians]], and [[United Protestants]]), infants who are baptized are not generally confirmed immediately except in cases of emergency such as illness or impending death. Otherwise, child candidates must wait till they are old enough to make a decision for themselves. Confirmation cannot occur until the candidate has participated in confirmation classes, demonstrated an adequate understanding of what they are agreeing to, and are able to profess "with their own mouth" their desire to be confirmed in their faith.{{sfn|Osmer|1996|pp=197-202}} In the Eastern Churches ([[Eastern Orthodoxy]], [[Oriental Orthodoxy]], and the [[Church of the East]]), the rite is called [[chrismation]], and is done immediately after baptism, regardless of age.

To be fully in communion with the Catholic Church, (a phrase  used since c. 205), the Catholic Church requires a convert to have professed faith and practice the sacraments - baptism, confirmation and the Eucharist.{{sfn|Jakubiak|2021|p=164}} The Orthodox Church also maintains the tradition of baptism, chrismation and first communion as a united rite till this day, referring to chrismation as "the Pentecost of the individual" (a reference to the Holy Spirit).{{sfn|Alfsvåg|2022|p=5}}

The practice of confirmation was criticized during the Reformation by those who do not consider confirmation a condition for conversion to Christianity or being a fully accepted member of the church.{{sfn|Alfsvåg|2022|pp=1, 7}} Luther saw confirmation as “a churchly rite or sacramental ceremony,” but for Luther, it was baptism that was necessary and not confirmation.{{sfn|Warnke|1971|p=n/a}} John Wesley removed the rite altogether leaving Methodism with no rite of confirmation from 1785 to 1965.{{sfn|McAlilly|2019|p=iv}} These see confirmation as a combination of intercessory prayer and as a graduation ceremony after the period of instruction.{{sfn|Alfsvåg|2022|p=1}}