- What is Baptism about?
In Baptism all our sins - personal and the one inherited from Adam and Eve - are forgiven. God adopts us as his children and, through the Holy Spirit, he takes his dwellig place in our heart. He gives us grace (strenght) to live according to his laws and commandments and makes us heirs of his Kingdom. In Baptism we also become members of the Church: Christians.
For these reasons, Baptism is not to be taken lightly. It requires a willingness to make God part of our daily life and to live a Christian life which includes church attendance. When a child is being baptised, these promises are made by the child's parents and it becomes their great responsability to educate their child in a Christian way, both by their words and their own example.
- I am an adult - can I be baptised?
You can be baptised if you have never been previously baptised. The Church of England regards Baptism as a Sacrament that cannot be repeated.
If as an adult, you are willing to live a Christian life and become part of one of our churches, we will be very happy to help you with your preparation.
If you were baptised as a child and now you are returning to a Christian life after a pause - long or short - we can help you to renew the promises you made (or the promises your parents made on your behalf) without the need of a "second baptism".
- Can my child be baptised in your church?
We can baptise your child if you are a resident in our parish. If you reside elswhere, we will need to contact your home parish for their consent. This is the "legal bit."
More importantly, before we agree to baptise your child, we want to make sure that you have some understanding of Christian faith and life and that you are willing to commit to them. We cannot fix a date before you attend Sunday worship with us at least on four consecutive Sundays. The Vicar will also want to meet you at least on four occasions to talk about Christian faith.
At first, all this may sound off-putting - but we believe that being Christians is a wonderful journey. A journey that certainly requires commitment but which also offers so much joy if undertaken with the right disposition.
- Can my grandchild/niece/nephew/etc. be baptised in your church?
Baptism of a child is only possible if requested by at least one of their legal guardians.
- Can you baptise my child if I am not baptised?
A child after Baptism needs a gentle but constant guidance to develope a life of prayer and Christian values. This guidance must include the good example of the parents. For this reason, we can only baptise a child if at least one of their parents is a baptised Christian.
- How much does Baptism cost?
There are no fees for Baptism.
- Will we need godparents?
Yes. Everyone must have at least one godparent. The legal requirement for a godparent is that he/she must be a baptised Christian and of such age that he/she understands the responsabilities of godparents.
In addition, we will ask you that at least one of the godparents you choose is a practising (church-goer) Christian.
In exceptional circumstances, parents can be godparents.
You can invite people who are not baptised to be part of the ceremony. They will be registered as wittnesses rather than godparents.
