Biblical references to anointing cover a wide range of purposes, including physical anointing for healing (John 9:6), the consecration of priests (Exodus 29:7), the commissioning of kings (1 Samuel 16), funeral rites (Matthew 26:12), and the cleansing of lepers (Leviticus 14).  There are also many references to spiritual anointing by the Holy Spirit, such as Isaiah 45:1, 61:1 and 2 Corinthians 1:21.  Since the Brethren place a special emphasis on the teachings of the New Testament and the restoring work of Jesus, we especially recognize the ordinance of anointing the sick with oil in the name of the Lord, as instructed in James 5:14-15, “Is any one of you sick?  He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord.  And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up.  If he has sinned, he will be forgiven.”  Usually this service is administered in private by the pastor, assisted by one or more deacons and occasionally a lay person.  The person to be anointed is traditionally given opportunity for confession of sins as admonished by the Apostle James.  Brethren interpret this act as restoration of wholeness, not as other denominations have administered it in the form of extreme unction or last rites.  In recent years, anointing has become more public and frequently administered by one's peers, such as at National Youth Conference where youth come forward to be anointed by other youth.  Anointing may also be granted for commissioning of leadership and spiritual renewal.  “Brethren believe that God intends people to be whole in body, mind, and spirit.  The anointing service recognizes that wholeness is experienced only as a person's relationship to God and others is open and honest.  One becomes whole as his or her relationship with God and the faith community is renewed” (For All Who Minister: Church of the Brethren Pastor's Manual).  Tampering or devaluing the anointing service and its emphasis on wholeness would be regarded by many as severely redefining what it means to be Brethren.