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Initiation ritual/infant baptism
Essential Practice Point 5
- Baptism, the initiation ritual common to Christian traditions, is considered to be a voluntary declaration of faith conducted at a time when the person is ready. Therefore, baptism of infants is not practised even in the case of imminent threat to life.
- Instead of baptism the pastor may hold an infant dedication service in the church in the form of a thanksgiving prayer for a new infant, the family and the support of the community for the new member.
(Return to Summary of Essential Practice Points)
Foetal, infant and child death
- There are no formal practices/rituals required for stillbirth and miscarriage. A service may be held at the request of the family.
- Normally a service is held for deceased infants and children, while the nature of the service depends on the age of the child and the parents’ wishes. The pastor will be a resource in these matters.
Memento of a deceased child
- Baptists emphasise the need for support and care for a family when a child dies and as such offering a memento of a deceased child is seen as a welcome and appropriate gesture.
