Concerning the Holy Baptism

In Holy Baptism, the outward and visible sign is water, in which candidates are baptized “in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (matthew 28:19). The inward and spiritual grace is death to sin and new birth to righteousness, through union with Christ in his death and resurrection (romans 6:1-11). Holy Baptism is appropriately administered within the Eucharist as the chief service on Sunday or other Holy Day. In this way the Congregation may welcome the newly baptized into Christ’s Church, and may be reminded of the benefits which they themselves received and the profession which they made in Holy Baptism.

The Bishop, when present, is normally the celebrant. Each candidate for Holy Baptism is to be sponsored by one or more baptized persons, who are themselves committed to Christ and commended by the example of their own holy living. Sponsors of adults and older children present their candidates and thereby signify their endorsement of the candidates and their intention to support them by prayer and encouragement in the Christian life. Sponsors of infants, commonly called godparents, present their candidates, make promises in their own names, and also take vows on behalf of their candidates.

Adults and older children are to be instructed in the meaning of Baptism and the Christian faith. Godparents and sponsoring parents are likewise to be instructed in the meaning of Baptism, in their duties to help new Christians grow in the knowledge and love of God, and in their responsibilities as members of the Church. The minister shall encourage parents not to defer the Baptism of their children.