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
Presbyterian Church in Ireland urged to return to God during safeguarding crisis
Presbyterian Church in Ireland urged to return to God during safeguarding crisis

The Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland (PCI) has said the denomination is going through “an ecclesiastical earthquake”.

Christians support X in legal challenge against EU's 120 million euro fine
Christians support X in legal challenge against EU's 120 million euro fine

The fine was handed down on 5 December last year for alleged breaches of transparency and procedural obligations under the EU’s Digital Services Act.

Police officer praised for defending right to preach in Muslim area
Police officer praised for defending right to preach in Muslim area

A female police officer who apparently defended the rights of a Christian street preacher against complaints from a crowd of Muslim men in London has been praised for her actions. 

Welsh Senedd members urged to reject assisted suicide bill
Welsh Senedd members urged to reject assisted suicide bill

Members of the Welsh Senedd will on Tuesday decide whether to give their consent to Kim Leadbeater MP's assisted suicide bill.