Baptism

Infant Baptism

Our view on infant baptism is that baptismal practice is not clear in the New Testament. There are Scriptures that seem to indicate that adult baptism was the norm and Scriptures that indicate whole households including children were baptised.

Our practice is therefore to baptise both adults and infants. Parents/guardians wanting to bring their child for baptism are asked to initially contact the vicar.

Then, either the vicar or another church member will visit you to go through the service, talk about the promises you will make and other service options (e.g. thanksgiving) that might be applicable to you as a family.

You are also encouraged to come to St. Mary’s and experience a service first hand as parents are expected to make a commitment to attending the church where their child is baptised.

For more information about the Church of England’s view of baptism please click here and the different baptism services click here.

Adult Baptism

Adults wanting to be baptised would normally first do the Alpha course as preparation. Adult baptisms are done by full immersion on Sunday mornings during the main service. We also provide opportunities for adults and young people to renew their baptismal promises by full immersion.