August 2010 - Vol. 32. No. 8

The Rector writes:

Dear Friends
Someone who was invited to attend a Baby Naming Ceremony and to be a “Guidemother” told me she would far rather have stood as Godmother to the child. She expressed disappointment that there wasn‘t to be a “proper Christening”. We had an interesting conversation about the purpose of a Baby Naming Ceremony, which is offered by the Registrar of Births, Marriages and Deaths. Presumably such ceremonies are one way for people with no religious beliefs to celebrate the birth or adoption of a child.

I knew little about these ceremonies until I looked on Nottinghamshire County Council’s website. I discovered that each ceremony can be tailored individually so that it is personal to the family and their child. There is a scale of charges, depending on which day of the week is chosen, and whether the ceremony is held in a Register Office or another venue. A Baby Naming ceremony has no legal status. One thing that surprises me is that the ceremony may include a religious reading if desired. I would expect most people who believe in God to wish for one of the ceremonies their faith community offers at significant moments in their lives, such as marriage, bereavement, birth or adoption. I receive about twenty or so requests each year for a Christening, this being the popular name for the rite that the Church calls “Baptism”. Within the Christian Church, some traditions routinely offer a Dedication Service, withholding baptism until the child is old enough to make his or her own decision to follow Jesus Christ.

The Church of England is one of several denominations that practises infant baptism. The baptism service includes promises to bring up a child in the Christian faith. An ongoing relationship with the Church is an important part of that. The role of Godparents is to encourage the child in following Jesus. For parents who feel unable to make the commitment asked for at baptism, and for those who prefer to wait until their child can make his or her own decision, there is an alternative. This is a Service of Thanksgiving for the Gift of a Child. It is a meaningful service in which the parents make promises to care for their child. Prayers are offered, and the child receives a blessing. The service may also be offered to parents who have adopted a child. There is no charge for Baptism or Thanksgiving services. We simply put out a collection plate and invite people to make a donation, as they feel able.

To find our more, please ask for our leaflet “The Gift of a Child”. I happy to discuss the options with parents or those about to become parents.

With my love and prayers

Glynis Hetherington