The youth leader of Rock Solid and event organiser, Dan Wood, explains that it was a practical solution to their unique situation. ‘It didn’t start out as being an aim to do something that had never been done before. It was simply about looking at the situation we were in - three denominations, all with young people ready to profess their faith - and wanting to make that the best experience it could be for all involved. It was really simple: I didn’t want a situation where these young people could grow in faith together in their youth group, but then have to go through a particular denomination as soon as they wanted to do something considered more ‘adult’ in terms of professing their faith publicly. I really wanted the young people to be able to profess their faith publicly together, as they had grown together spiritually.’
In all, there were four immersion baptisms, and seven confirmations (one of the young people was both baptised and confirmed), with all of the young people supported at the service by members from across the churches. The church leaders involved were delighted with what had been achieved. The Rev Stephen Day of Gledholt Methodist Church said that it was, ‘great to be able to share together in this service.’ ‘It was lovely to be able to work in partnership with other Christians, to celebrate our shared faith in Christ,’ he said.
