I live in scotland and my baby is due in the summer. We would like to have a service of thanksgiving or a blessing for our new arrival but do not want a Christening/Baptism as we would rather let the child choose this when he/she is old enough to make an informed decision. Neither myself or my husband are members of the church although I was Christened as a baby. Any help, advice or suggestions would be great.
2007-04-24 09:22:27 · 3 answers · asked by Boo 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Does it need to take place in the Church or are there other options?
2007-04-24 09:41:13 · update #1
Contact your local parish. It should be possible to arrange for a blessing (usually after a regular Sunday service or even an evensong). The vicar may request that you visit the church while you're expecting, which is pretty much the same if you were getting married (although you don't have to stand up while the warrant is read).
2007-04-24 09:28:54 · answer #1 · answered by Zimmia 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am not a minister of the Church of Scotland. I am a Roman Catholic but I do remember reading that in 2003 the General Assembly of that Church provided orders for the thanksgiving for and blessing of a child.
The ceremony takes place at morning worship and follows the pattern of Baptism, but the words are different and no water is used.
Nothing is required of the parents as far as commitment or belief. Just call your local Church of Scotland parish and ask the minister when he will do the ceremony for you.
Why would you not want to have your child baptized and receive God's grace?
2007-04-24 09:28:08 · answer #2 · answered by Veritas 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I think you're making the right choice: let the child choose for him/herself to be baptized.
By the way, babies are cute!
2007-04-24 09:25:58 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋