sealing

Christian rite

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 13, 2026

Quick Summary

In the context of Christian rites, "sealing" refers to a solemnization, particularly within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, to make something eternally secure. In the Roman Catholic Church, the term "sealed" is used in the sacrament of Confirmation, where a bishop or priest anoints the forehead with chrism, stating, "Be sealed with the gifts of the Holy Spirit." This act signifies the confirmation of a baptized person in their faith and their endowment with the Holy Spirit.12

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

2 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Institutions and practices
…to the initiate), and the sealing of husbands, wives, and children (which may also be undertaken by proxy for the dead) are essential ceremonies that take place in the temple. During the endowment, the person is ritually washed, anointed with oil, and dressed in temple garments. This is followed by…
Read More
…to the initiate), and the sealing of husbands, wives, and children (which may also be undertaken by proxy for the dead) are essential ceremonies that take place in the temple. During the endowment, the person is ritually washed, anointed with oil, and dressed in temple garments. This is followed by…
Read More

New Apostolic Church
…baptism, Holy Communion, and holy sealing (the “dispensing and reception of the Holy Spirit”). Sealing can only be conferred by the laying on of hands on the head of a member by an apostle, and it assures the member of participation in Christ’s rule on Earth for 1,000 years after…
Read More
…baptism, Holy Communion, and holy sealing (the “dispensing and reception of the Holy Spirit”). Sealing can only be conferred by the laying on of hands on the head of a member by an apostle, and it assures the member of participation in Christ’s rule on Earth for 1,000 years after…
Read More