The General Synod has adhered to the view that ‘infant baptism should continue to be available to children of all parents who request it and are willing and able to make the requisite promises’. A minister may wish to exercise their right, under Canon B22.4, to delay the baptism of a child until such time as the parents or guardian, or godparents, have been instructed. In such cases, the extent of the period of instruction should be understood by all parties concerned. A minister may not refuse to baptise a child because of the marital status of the parents, and must comply with the canons regarding baptism of infants once the period of instruction of the child’s parents, guardian or godparents is completed.
When baptism is to be deferred, a service of Thanksgiving for the Birth of a Child may be used. This is to be found in Common Worship: Services and Prayers for the Church of England, pages 337–343 (full texts in Common Worship: Pastoral Services, pages 200–212). After baptism or a service of thanksgiving, a card should be given to the parents, stating clearly what has taken place.
The Diocesan Synod has recommended that baptism should take place when the church meets for public worship. This recommendation should be followed, with discretion for exceptions. PCCs should discuss how often public baptisms should take place and how best to enable the congregation to participate, making due allowance for the views of parents.
Canon B24 concerns ‘the baptism of those who are of riper years’. Such candidates must be instructed in the Christian faith and brought to confirmation as soon as is convenient after baptism. The area bishop must be notified at least a week in advance of such baptisms. In this Diocese, it is the norm that such baptisms take place within a service of confirmation.
Canon B22.5 provides that ‘a minister who intends to baptise any infant whose parents are residing outside the boundaries of his cure, unless the names of such persons or of one of them be on the Church Electoral Roll of the same, shall not proceed to the baptism without having sought the good will of the minister of the parish in which such parents reside’. Clergy are reminded that it is their duty, and not that of the parents, to seek the good will of the minister concerned.
In their baptism preparation interviews, clergy should take great pains to ensure that parents have no justification for alleging that baptism is being refused, and their attention is drawn to Canon B22.2.
Godparents and sponsors
Canon B23 provides:
1. For every child to be baptised there shall be not fewer than three godparents, of whom at least two shall be of the same sex as the child and of whom at least one shall be of the opposite sex; save that, when three cannot conveniently be had, one godfather and godmother shall suffice. Parents may be godparents for their own children provided that the child have at least one other godparent.
2. The godparents shall be persons who will faithfully fulfil their responsibilities both by their care for the children committed to their charge and by the example of their own godly living.
3. When one of ripe years is to be baptised the candidate shall choose three, or at least two, to act as sponsors, who shall present the candidate at the font and afterwards remind the candidate of their Christian duties and profession.
4. No person shall be admitted to be a sponsor or godparent who has not been baptised and confirmed. Nevertheless the minister shall have the power to dispense with the requirement of confirmation in any case in which the minister judges appropriate.
