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Confirmation

In confirmation, a person confirms the promises made at their baptism.
A golden cross.
Two girls running towards the sunset.
Purple flowers.
Light purple flowers.

What is confirmation?

In confirmation, a person confirms the promises made at their baptism – either by their parents and godparents (as a child) or by themselves (as an adult).

Confirmation is a way to:

  • Say yes to your Christian faith

  • Receive strength from God

  • Grow in faith, love, and Christian life

The church community prays for you during the ceremony, and you receive a special blessing.

Two silver crosses around a persons neck.

Who can be confirmed?

Anyone who has been baptised can join confirmation preparation.

  • Young people, usually at age 15

  • Adults who were never confirmed before

  • Members of other churches who want to join the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland

If you are not baptised, you can be baptised during the preparation.

Only members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland can be confirmed.

For help, contact the parish office.

Young people are sitting in front of a graffiti wall.

Confirmation classes

What is confirmation class?

Confirmation class is about 6 months of learning about:

  • Faith
  • The Church
  • Life’s big questions

It includes 80 hours of teaching, group activities, and parish events.

You can attend in different ways:

  • Camps (most popular!)
  • Daytime or evening classes
  • Online courses (for adults)

Classes are voluntary, but very common – more than 80% of Finnish 15-year-olds attend.

Confirmation camps

Many young people in Finland go to confirmation camp.

At camp, you:

  • Learn about faith in a fun way
  • Spend time with friends
  • Enjoy music, games, food, and evening activities
  • Are supported by youth leaders, pastors, and volunteers

Camps are a mix of learning, friendship, and spiritual growth.

They are organised by:

  • The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland
  • Other Christian organisations

Confirmation for adults

Adults can also be confirmed.

  • You can learn online or in person

  • You learn at your own pace

  • The parish will support you throughout the journey

A woman is looking out a window and she is holding a mug in her hand.

What happens after confirmation?

Confirmation gives you certain rights in the Church:

  • You can become a godparent

  • You can take Holy Communion on your own

  • At age 18, you can vote and be a candidate in parish elections

  • If you want a church wedding, you must attend confirmation classes – but you do not have to be confirmed.