Baptism guidelines

The Government’s Guidebook for Clergy includes information on the issuing of a certificate of name given in baptism.

1. Baptism should normally take place during the main Sunday Service. In parishes with large numbers of baptisms it may be more appropriate to have designated “baptismal services” rather than disrupt the regular rhythm of the congregation’s worship too often.
2. When the child lives in another parish and the parents or guardians are not on the Electoral Roll, the Baptism should not take place without consultation between the clergy of the two parishes. The incumbent intending to baptise should seek the goodwill of the clergy of the parish (or non-parochial church) where the family live.
3. Except in emergency, those concerned should be carefully prepared before the day of the service.
4. Where there is doubt about the attitude of parents towards baptism, the clergy may urge the parents or guardians to postpone the baptism for the purpose of preparation. Great care should always be taken to avoid any suggestion that the Church rejects anyone who in goodwill asks for baptism. The service “Thanksgiving for the Gift of a Child” might prove suitable for use in preparation for baptism, which might then take place at a later stage.
5. A Service of Thanksgiving for the Gift of a Child should be available for all who desire it.
6. The PCC and the Incumbent should regularly review the parish provision for preparation of the family prior to the baptism, and the means of integrating them into the worshipping life of the church.
7. When checking on the validity of baptism in another church or denomination it should be ascertained that the phrase ‘In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit’ was used. If there is doubt a person should be conditionally baptised.