Baptism in the Episcopal Church
Episcopalians understand the sacrament of Holy Baptism as an action of celebration along one’s spiritual journey which signifies:
transformation of life
identification with God and the purposes of God through Jesus Christ
incorporation into the Church
the gift of Holy Spirit to direct and inform one’s mission in the world.
It is for us the chief outward sign of God’s inner action–the sacrament from which all others flow.
Gift is the word most associated with God’s graciousness and is central to our understanding of what happens in baptism–God’s gifts of the Holy Spirit are freely given. One needs only to receive and appropriate them. Thus, infant Baptism is practiced in the Episcopal Church with the understanding that God’s gifts are extended to all, regardless of state or age.
However, it is expected that the parents, sponsors, and the Church take responsibility for the spiritual formation of the child that he or she may grow towards spiritual maturity, develop the relationship with God through Jesus Christ, and learn to appropriate the gifts of God within and through themselves. It is expected that the child, when older, reaffirm the baptismal commitment.
The Book of Common Prayer unequivocally states that Holy Baptism “is full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit” into Christ’s body, the Church. All of the baptized of any age are fully incorporated into the life of the Christian community. The Holy Eucharist is the basic expression of our common life and participation in the Eucharist is the final step in Christian initiation, and the ongoing ritual expression of our life in Jesus Christ. Because of these strong traditions and their compelling witness, the newly baptized of any age should receive Holy Communion at their baptisms and regularly thereafter.
Recommended Resources
For Parents & Godparents
Taking the Plunge: Baptism & Parenting - Anne Kitch
Your Faith, Your Life - Jenifer Gamber
Download a PDF of Chapter 1 - Beginnings
For Children
Today is a Baptism Day - Anna Ostenso Moore
Water of Baptism, Water for Life - Anne Kitch