Baptism

• Quakers and the Salvation Army reject baptism altogether (and all outward symbols and rituals)
• Baptist and Pentecostals practice believers' baptism. Adult baptism is seen as a gift of grace from God to wash away sins.
• Catholics and Church of England practice infant baptism. This is believed to remove Original Sin.
• Baptism is a Rite of Initiation: Refers to a ceremony that marks becoming a member of the Christian community.
• "Truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit"
• "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit"
• "then Jesus came to Galilee to the Jordan to be baptised by John"
• Infant Baptism

  • Takes place as a bay
  • Removes Original Sin
  • Parents and godparents make promises on behalf of the child
  • A sign of the cross is made on the baby's forehead and water is poured on them
  • A lighted candle is given to represent the light of Jesus
• Believers Baptism

  • Takes place as an adult
  • Only an adult can make the choice of fully belonging to God
  • Seen as a gift from God to wash away any sins
  • Each candidate is asked questions about their faith and why they wish to be Christian
  • Baptised through full immersion