Church of Scotland invites more parents to consider baptism

Prince George has just been welcomed into the church and the Moderator of the Church of Scotland is inviting other parents to consider baptism for their own children.

The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, the Right Reverend Lorna Hood, spoke about the "delights" of baptism for both the young and the old.

She said: "For me as a Church of Scotland minister and a school chaplain one of the greatest delights is to baptise children of those I have baptised. It is such a joyful occasion and it isn't just for new babies either.

"I've lost count of how many babies and infants I have baptised but one of my loveliest memories is of baptising a mother and her five children, aged twelve to twelve weeks' all the same time."

The Church of Scotland examined baptism in a report its General Assembly in 2003 and 2004. The report discussed how baptism requirements and services have changed since the 16th century and the Church no longer expects at least one parent or other close family member to be a member of the Church.

Today someone who is not a parent but still significant for the child could bring the child for baptism, though with the written consent of the parents.

Mrs Hood added: "As the young royal couple take these vows, we hope that more young people would consider bringing their little ones, to learn of our faith and the values that Christianity stands for, values so needed in our world today."

News
Concerns raised that government grooming gang inquiry will ignore Islam
Concerns raised that government grooming gang inquiry will ignore Islam

"I grew up a Christian .. it was just used as a way to break me down, as in ‘Where is your God now? Why has your God forsaken you?” said one rape gang survivor.

UN rights panel hears concerns about discrimination against Christians in Europe
UN rights panel hears concerns about discrimination against Christians in Europe

Christians in Europe are threatened by Islamist violence and government restrictions.

Iraqi Christian complex hit by suspected Iranian drone attack
Iraqi Christian complex hit by suspected Iranian drone attack

A local church leader said the latest Middle East conflict would once again prompt the region's Christians to ask themselves whether they should stay or go.

Poll finds majority support legal protection for unborn babies with heartbeat
Poll finds majority support legal protection for unborn babies with heartbeat

A pro-life organisation is urging the UK government to introduce new legal protections for unborn babies with detectable heartbeats.