Wendy Wortham on Baptism or Christenning of Children
Christian denominations differ widely on teachings of Baptism.
A general definition for the word Baptism is a “rite of washing with water as a sign of religious purification and consecration.” This rite was practiced frequently in the Old Testament. It signified purity or cleansing from sin and devotion to God.
Infant Baptism is the practice of baptizing infants or young children. In theological discussions, the practice is sometimes referred to as paedobaptism or pedobaptism from the Greek pais meaning “child.” The practice is sometimes contrasted with what is called “believer’s Baptism” or credobaptism, from the Latin word credo meaning “I believe” which is the religious practice of baptizing only individuals who personally confess faith in Jesus, therefore excluding underage children. Infant Baptism is also called christening by some faith traditions.
Most Christians belong to denominations that practice infant Baptism, Denominational families that practice Baptism include, Catholics, Eastern and Oriental Orthodox, Anglicans, Lutherans, Presbyterians, Methodists, some Nazarenes, the United Church of Christ (UCC), Moravian Church, Metropolitan Community Church, Wesleyans, Episcopalians, and the Reformed Churches.
The details of the Baptism ceremony vary among Christian denominations. Many follow a prepared ceremony, called a rite or liturgy. In a typical ceremony, parents or godparents bring their child to their congregations priest or minister. The rite used would be the same as the denominations rite for adults, ie., by pouring water (affusion) or by others sprinkling water (aspersion). Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic traditions normally practice total immersion and Baptize babies in a font and this practice is also the first method listed in the Baptismal ritual of the Roman Catholic although pouring is the standard practice within the Latin branch of Catholicism.
It is a naval tradition to Baptize children using the ships bell as a Baptismal font and to engrave their names of the children on the bell afterwards. Tracking down and searching for an individuals name on a specific bell is a difficult and time consuming task. Christening information from the bells held by the Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt Museum has been entered into a searchable data archive that is accessible to any interested website visitors.
Although it is not required, many parents and godparents choose to dress the baby in a white gown called a “christening gown” for the Baptism ceremony. Christening gowns often become treasured keepsakes that are used by many other children in the family and handed down from generation to generation. Traditionally, this gown will be white or slightly off white and made of lots of lace, trim, and intricate detail. In the past, a gown was used for boys and girls; today, it is more common to dress the boys in a white romper with best or other accessories.
When performing a Baptism or a Christening I like to take numerous photos of the child and parents/godparents to gift to the family as a gift.
Submersion, is used when baptizing an adult or older child and can be conducted in any pool of water, ie: a lake, a river, a swimming pool, etc.
An infant Baptismal prayer is suitable for Baptizing a very young child. This prayer would include the family of the child, and also the godparents.
“Heavenly Father, grant that this child grows in peace, grace and love. May he or she learn to follow Jesus through the influence of the Holy Spirit. He/She is a true child of yours, and we pray guidance and strength for the parents, godparents, and family of this child. May their example, wise council, and loving lead him/ her to live a life of strength, righteousness, faith, and love. We pray in Jesus name, Amen.”
The child’s Baptismal prayer is for a child who is old enough to take the vows of Baptism his/herself, and has not been previously Baptized. The prayer only includes the child.
“Father God, we stand here as witnesses to this child’s profession of faith in your Son, Jesus Christ. The scriptures declare that the old nature dies and and a new one is born at the moment of that profession. Grant that this child grows in the power and nature of a believer in Christ, receiving the Holy Spirit as a counselor and teacher. Give him/her the strength and wisdom to live before you righteousness, as a faithful member of your family. Amen.”
If a child was baptized as an infant and is now old enough to accept responsibility for himself/herself, the child’s baptism with confirmation prayer includes the child’s baptismal profession of faith and acceptance into the church.
“Gracious and everlasting God, this child has professed faith in Jesus for himself/ herself. The vows her parents and godparents took for him/her, he/ she now accepts as a child of yours. Continue to guide and direct him/her through the Holy Spirit, and give him/ her the wisdom and the strength to walk in your way. We promise to present ourselves as Godly examples.”
The Sign of the Cross, although not a prayer itself, is a gesture that should be made before and after prayer. It is done by taking your right hand and first touching your forehead. Then touch your stomach area, your left shoulder, and finally your right shoulder. This is accompanied by saying, “In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen”
Often, my prayers when blessing a child are presented in my prayer, “may the earth give him/her strength and security to stay grounded and focused. May the winds give him/her the gift of communication to help understand others and to be understood. May the waters teach him/ her to listen to his/ her own intuition and to understand the depths of love and emotion. May the flames of passion spark creativity, exuberance and positive life force.”
Parents and godparents are always invited to say a few words of prayer, wisdom, or poetry. As a minister, incorporating personal elements into ceremonies brings the event full circle.
I do hope this clarifies baptism and christening and welcome your comments and questions.
