Christenings - Church of England

Church of England christenings

What is baptism?
What happens during the service?
Promises made
Godparents
Cost
Contacts

The Church of England website (www.cofe.anglican.org) describes baptism as “thanking God for his gift of life”, “deciding to start your child on the journey of faith”, and “becoming a member of the local and worldwide Christian family”. It is a ceremony where the parents and godparents promise to bring up the child in the Christian faith.

The terms baptism and christening are usually used to mean the same thing; christening tends to be a more modern term and baptism is used more formally.

Officially a child can be christened even if the parents are not regular churchgoers but your local parish priest will be able to give you more guidance on this.

If you don’t want the full commitment of baptism then you could consider a Thanksgiving Service for your child. This is still a religious ceremony but it offers thanks to God rather than committing the child to the faith. You or the child can still decide to have baptism at later stage.

Some priests may require period of instruction before baptism so it’s best to talk to your local priest about what you need to do.

What happens during the service

The ceremony usually takes place in your parish church during the main Sunday service so that the child can be publicly welcomed into the church community. This may mean that a number of children are christened in the same ceremony. However, some parishes may be able to arrange a private service after the main service so speak to your priest about the options.

During the ceremony, the parents and godparents will be directed to gather at front of church or round the font with the child. They will then be asked to make declarations or promises on behalf of the child that they believe in God and will bring the child up to follow Jesus

The priest will make the sign of the cross as a badge to show that Christians are united with Christ and pour water on the child’s head to signify that the child is washed free of sin and raised to a new life with Christ. In some ceremonies the priest may then anoint the child with oil to symbolise the outpouring of God’s Holy Spirit

The congregation will then welcome the child into the Church and a candle may be lit in the church and/or given to the parent. This is a reminder of the light which has come into the child’s life.

Some priests will allow parents or guests to choose readings and hymns – again, speak to your priest about the options.

Promises made during the service

Do you reject the devil and all rebellion against God? Parents and godparents: I reject them.
Do you renounce the deceit and corruption of evil? Parents and godparents: I renounce them.
Do you repent of the sins that separate us from God and neighbour? Parents and godparents: I repent of them.
Do you turn to Christ as Saviour? Parents and godparents: I turn to Christ.
Do you submit to Christ as Lord? Parents and godparents: I submit to Christ.
Do you come to Christ, the way, the truth and the life? Parents and godparents: I come to Christ.

Link to Full Service

Godparents

The Church of England suggests you have at least three godparents – two the same sex as your child and one of the opposite sex. They can be family or friends but they should all be 16 or older and be baptised.

Some priests require that they’re also confirmed and practicing Christians. Others are more relaxed. Either way, the godparents will be asked to make solemn religious promises and they should be comfortable doing this.

See article on Choosing Godparents

Cost

Baptism is free however there may be small charge for the baptismal certificate or an administration fee. You might like to consider making a donation to the church.

Contacts