Holy baptism is full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ’s body, the church. It is a public statement of one’s intentional decision to follow the way of Jesus. In the case of infant baptism, it is the parents’ declaration of their intent to raise a child in the way of Jesus. The bond which God establishes in baptism is indissoluble, so this sacrament is only administered once.
When you choose to be baptized, or to have your child baptized, in the Episcopal Church, it means you are choosing to live out the Baptismal Covenant in the context of an Episcopal church community, taking part in the worship, mission and ministries of the congregation. Baptism is open to all people, regardless of age or background. The first step is to attend a local parish regularly and to talk to the clergy about baptism.
If you are new to the Episcopal Church and have already been baptized in another denomination, you may wish to renew your faith life. If this is the case, you may be Received or Confirmed in the Episcopal Church, rites which your clergy person can help you learn about and discern whether they are appropriate for you.
Wherever you come from and whatever your faith background, the Episcopal Church welcomes you! Contact the Rev. Canon Gwynn Lynch for more information.
