Baptismal Policy
This policy applies to both Seagrave and Greenbank Churches
Statement of Belief on Baptism
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The "Song of Faith" of the United Church of Canada states; "Before conscious thought or action on our part, we are born into the brokenness of this world. Before conscious thought or action on our part, we are surrounded by God's redeeming love. Baptism by water in the name of the Holy Trinity is the means by which we are received, at any age, into the covenanted community of the church. It is the ritual that signifies our rebirth in faith and cleansing by the power of God. Baptism signifies the nurturing, sustaining, and transforming power of God's love and our grateful response to that grace. Carrying a vision of creation healed and restored, we welcome all in the name of Christ. With the Church through the ages, we speak of God as one and triune: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We also speak of God as Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer God, Christ, and Spirit Mother, Friend, and Comforter Source of Life, Living Word, and Bond of Love, and in other ways that speak faithfully of the One on whom our hearts rely, the fully shared life at the heart of the universe. |  |
- It is a gift of God, and like all of God's gracious gifts, does not depend on our own worthiness
- All people are equally precious in the eyes of God
- Baptism is not required for salvation; those who are not baptized bear no stigma; no burden; no exclusion from the grace of God
- Parents/guardians and those presenting themselves for baptism are required to say yes to the required questions. The church reserves the right to refuse baptism if this requirement, in good conscience, cannot be met by the participants
All baptisms are subject to the approval of Session in accordance of the by-laws of United Church of Canada. Exceptions may be granted by Session.
Where it is not possible to secure the prior consent of Session, the person administering the Sacrament of Baptism shall report such emergency decisions as may have been made in particular cases to the next meeting of Session for ratification. The secretary of Session shall keep an accurate record of Baptisms.
While recognizing that the earliest Christian baptisms were performed "in the name of Jesus Christ" and that the language used is of less importance than the intent of the participants, we acknowledge that baptism is a sacrament of initiation into the whole church, not just the congregation of Greenbank. To have baptisms recognized in the ecumenical community, The United Church of Canada has made a commitment that all baptisms will be in the name of the triune God, using the traditional Trinitarian Formula of "Father, Son and Holy Spirit." In keeping with the United Church's commitment to inclusive language, the baptizing minister may expand on the Trinitarian Formula with a variety of phrases that express the inclusive nature of the Divine.
