Conformity
Conformity strictly means,
(1) the being reduced to the same shape with anything else; hence it has acquired the figurative sense of
(2) agreement with any existing set of principles, or any institution; and has, in a more limited and technical sense, been used for
(3) compliance with the discipline of the Church of England. "Conformists" are therefore generally contrasted with "Nonconformists," a name which now includes generally all those who, either in doctrine or government, or both, dissent from the Church of England. A declaration is required of all persons who are to be licensed or instituted to an ecclesiastical charge in the Church of England in the following words: "I, A. B., do declare that I will conform to the Liturgy of the Church of England as it is now by law established." This declaration is to be made and subscribed before the bishop or his commissary, and the making and subscription thereof is to be testified under the episcopal seal of the bishop, and under the hand of the bishop or his commissary. — Eden, Churchman's Theol. Dict.; Hook, Church Dict.
