A NEW "eco-confirmation" rite was used among the redwood trees
of the Californian hills, when seven people were confirmed in an
outdoor service at St Dorothy's Rest, a camp and retreat centre in
Camp Meeker.
The confirmations were carried out by the Bishop of California,
the Rt Revd Marc Andrus, and the service closely followed the
liturgy in the Book of Common Prayer (US).
The service also included, however, a "cosmic walk": each person
to be confirmed walked along a spiral of red rope laid out on the
ground, while carrying a container of holy water to 12 stations.
Each station marked a significant moment in geological and human
history.
Those taking part also listened to a short history of the
universe. Bishop Andrus then asked each of those being confirmed:
"Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and
respect the dignity of the earth and every human being?"
Two people renewed their baptismal vows, and one person was
received into the Episcopal Church.