Question
Question
My sister-in-law was told that she will have to be reconfirmed when she transfers membership and becomes a Catholic this year. She was Episcopalian. Why? How come my cousin, who was Orthodox, didn't have to be reconfirmed?
--Concerned in Concord
Answer
Answer
Anglicans (Episcopalians), Lutherans and all Protestants are confirmed as part of the Rite of Reception. This is because the minister is not validly ordained as part apostolic succession.
The Orthodox, the other Eastern non-Catholics, and those in like condition (eg, Polish National Church, Old Catholics) are already validly confirmed. There ministers are recognized as valid by the Roman Catholic Church.