A surge in confirmations in the Diocese of Truro this year has been reported – with more people taking the pledge in the first quarter of 2026 than in the whole of 2025.

In the first quarter of 2026 there have already been 67 confirmations – 28 males and 39 females. During the full 12 months of 2025, there were 50 people confirmed – 24 males and 26 females.

Someone's hands held together resting on a brown book which reads 'Holy Bible'. Bishop of Truro, Rt Revd David Williams, who has been present at all the confirmation services, said around half of this year’s confirmations took place in the Penwith Deanery.

He said: “It is significant news that teenagers and adults, ages ranging from 12 to 91 years, are going for confirmation. This represents some unexpected results of some very committed ministry, including imaginative youth work and faithful visits to older housebound parishioners.

“In several churches this is the first time in many years confirmation services have happened, and some of our clergy have been left both deeply encouraged and also surprised.”

Bishop David added that with the arrival of the new Bishop of St Germans, both bishops in the Diocese of Truro are committed to responding to baptism and confirmation requests.

Baptisms

A group of people in the sea

Easter day baptism

On Easter day a Sonrise service was held at 6.30 am at Sennen Beach with a gathering of 60 people. This was followed by the baptism of six people aged from 12 to 34 years old.

Revd Adam Thomas, Penwith Strategic Rural Dean, said: “The methodology of the research for the Quiet Revival might not have been sound, but the under 40s are hungry to know about Jesus.”

 

Confirmation in the Church of England is a service where people affirm commitments made when they were baptised.

Those wanting certain leadership roles in the Church of England, such as Readers, need to be confirmed before training.