Baptism of Adults

Baptism of Children

T here are some people who grow up in the Church because they have been baptised as children and brought up in a Christian family. That is not always the case today. Increasingly older people - from teenagers to great grandparents - are making their own decision to join the People of God - His Church.

For some people this comes as a sudden conversion experience. For others, a curiosity about God or about Jesus grows into an unfolding awareness of his presence and a conviction that some sort of personal commitment is needed. They feel the need to express this by joining a worshipping community of the Church.

Some people may follow a slightly different path. They get involved with their friends or their children in the social activities of their local church without having much interest in what the Church is really about. They enjoy the friendship of Christian people and get interested in the Church for its own sake. Gradually, they, too, want to belong. If you find yourself in this position, what should you do?

How Do I Begin?
First of all talk to your Christian friends or to Christians you know and trust. Go to church - with a friend if possible - and choose the main Sunday service. At All Saints Church, the congregation gathers for a cup of tea or coffee afterwards and new arrivals are most welcomed. This is a chance to meet other members of the congregation and to meet informally with the clergy.

There are a lot of books about the Christian faith and the Church. There is a short official summary called The Revised Catechism, published as a small booklet. You will find other useful books on church bookstalls which may be helpful.

Were You Baptised?
Many people were baptised (christened) as a baby but have had little contact with the Church since then. Baptism is, nevertheless, permanent and cannot be cancelled or repeated. So, if you were baptised as a baby, in whatever church that took place, you are still baptised and you cannot be ‘done’ again.

Some people are unsure whether they have been baptised or not. It is important to find out from parents or older relatives and to discover where it took place, because you may need to get a copy of your baptismal certificate.

From Another Denomination?
If you are a Christian from another denomination and feel drawn towards joining the Church of England, the way this is done will depend partly on your present denomination.

If you have been baptised, and confirmed by a bishop, in another denomination then, after a period of preparation, you will be received into the Church of England, probably by a bishop during a confirmation service. If you have not been confirmed, or even baptised, then you will be prepared for this along with other candidates.

Christian Initiation
If you have not been baptised, that is the place to start. In the early days of the Church, new Christians were often baptised at Easter. After a course of instruction in the faith, they publicly entered into this new life with Christ. They repented of their sins, were assured of God's forgiveness and were baptised, often in a local river. This was a symbol that they had died to their old life and, born afresh, been given a share in the Holy Spirit who came on Jesus at his baptism and, after his resurrection, was given to his disciples.

Those who joined the Church were not only baptised with water: the bishop also laid his hands on them in blessing, what we now call Confirmation. Their receiving Holy Communion completed admission to the full life of the Church for the first time. Baptism, Confirmation and First Communion still form the pattern today.

What next?
Firstly contact Fr Steve ( click here ). Then he will arrange to meet with you, usually at your home, and will chat with you about Baptism and if applicable, your responsibilities as Parents. A provisional date will be set and you will be asked to spend some time thinking about Baptism before you return the Application Form. Please don’t hesitate to ask Fr Steve any questions you may have. Once Fr Steve has the Application Form back the date is set. However, difficulties can arise and date rearranged. This is not a problem – just contact Fr Steve.