Baptisms

Anglican Baptism is a sacrament of initiation, marking a person’s entry into the Christian faith and the Anglican community. It is rooted in Jesus’ command to baptize in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, symbolising cleansing, new life, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Baptism is open to people of all ages—infants, children, and adults—recognising the Anglican belief that God’s grace is available to all, regardless of their stage in life. This act is more than a personal commitment; it is also a commitment of the wider faith community to support the newly baptized in their journey of faith.

During the service, the person being baptized, or their parents and godparents if it is a child, makes promises to renounce evil, turn to Christ, and follow Him. The congregation also makes promises, committing to support and uphold the newly baptized in their Christian life. Water is then poured over the head of the individual, symbolising their death to sin and rebirth in Christ. Through this, they are united with Christ’s death and resurrection, experiencing a spiritual rebirth that is seen as both cleansing from sin and the start of a new life as part of God’s family.

Baptism in the Anglican tradition is not only a personal milestone but also a communal event, drawing in the entire congregation. It represents the collective commitment of the church to nurture and support the baptized person’s faith journey. After the baptism, the person is welcomed as a full member of the Anglican community, invited to participate in other sacraments, such as the Eucharist, and to grow in their faith within the life of the church. This sacrament is a moment of deep celebration and joy, reaffirming the Anglican Church’s mission to spread Christ’s love and to welcome all into God’s family.