Baptism, Christening & Thanksgiving

Each week 2,200 families have a child under 12 baptised in the Church of England

“Shine as a light in the world to the glory of God the Father.”

Each week 2,200 families have a child under 12 baptised in the Church of England. The practice of baptism goes back to Jesus and John the Baptist. The Anglican Church also baptises young children which is often known as Christening

In this service parents thank God for his gift of life, make a decision to start their child on a journey of faith and godparents promise help and support. The church also promises to welcome the child and to pray for the family.

This ceremony marks the start of a lifelong journey of faith as part of the local and worldwide Christian family.

Thanksgivings

You may want to celebrate the gift of a child in a different way without the commitment that baptism involves. During the Thanksgiving service parents and families give thanks for the birth or adoption of a child. It can take place in church with the congregation, or with just family and friends gathered, or elsewhere such as home, or even in hospital.

There are no promises to make about the Christian faith. The child will be blessed and prayed for, and supporting friends will promise to support the parents in bringing up their baby.