Editing Christianization (section)

=== Confirmation ===
{{Main|Confirmation}}
[[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]]
In the early 1500s, [[confirmation]] was added to the rites of initiation.{{sfn|Alfsvåg|2022|p=1}}  While baptism, instruction, and Eucharist have remained the essential elements of initiation in all Christian communities, theologian Knut Alfsvåg writes on the differing status of confirmation in different denominations:<blockquote>Some see baptism, confirmation, and first communion as different elements in a unified rite through which one becomes a part of the Christian church. Others consider confirmation a separate rite which may or may not be considered a condition for becoming a fully accepted member of the church in the sense that one is invited to take part in the celebration of the Eucharist. Among those who see confirmation as a separate rite some see it as a sacrament, while others consider it a combination of intercessory prayer and graduation ceremony after a period of instruction.{{sfn|Alfsvåg|2022|p=1}}</blockquote>