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
Correspondence from Alice in Wonderland author, Lewis Carroll, discovered in Lincoln Cathedral
Correspondence from Alice in Wonderland author, Lewis Carroll, discovered in Lincoln Cathedral

The letter mentions a number of people who partially inspired scenes from Carroll’s most famous work, Alice in Wonderland.

Cost of living tops list of concerns for young Australians in Christian survey
Cost of living tops list of concerns for young Australians in Christian survey

The annual survey by the national Christian charity shows a sharp and sustained shift in what matters most to young Australians.

Police still haven't decided if pro-life campaigner will be charged for silent prayer
Police still haven't decided if pro-life campaigner will be charged for silent prayer

Pro-life campaigner Isabel Vaughan-Spruce has had a legal Sword of Damocles over her head for 10 months as British authorities continue to decide whether or not to charge her for silent prayer in an abortion clinic buffer zone.

Most people in Britain believe that Christmas has become too commercial
Most people in Britain believe that Christmas has become too commercial

Many Brits want a return to tradition, a survey by the Children's Society has found.