Common Questions

What’s the difference between baptism and christening?
None – they are simply different words.

What is the right age for baptism?
Baptism can take place at any age as what matters is that those concerned are committed to bringing up the child as a Christian. However, teenagers and adults may also be baptised and this is celebrated with confirmation by the Bishop.

Can I still have my child baptised even though I am not a regular churchgoer?
Yes, if you live in the Parish. The Church believes that God's love is available to all, regardless of whether they are attending church.  You may want to find out a little more about the Christian faith and what joining the church involves before you make a decision about your child’s baptism.  You might prefer to have a Thanksgiving service and then consider baptism when you have had time to talk through with the Rector what is being asked of you.

If a child has not been christened, can he or she go on to be married in church?
Yes. Everyone is England has the legal right to be married in the parish in which they live irrespective of their religious views and any christening ceremonies.

If a child has not been christened, can he or she have a Christian cremation/burial?
Yes. This not affected by a christening ceremony.

Will a child go to heaven if he or she dies before being christened?
Yes.  Jesus said “the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these” (Mark 10:14) and so the Christian church believes that he/she will. The church does not believe that the child’s ultimate salvation depends on whether a child has been christened or which christening service has been used.

Is a child properly named before his/her christening?
Yes. Names are given by parents and registered on the birth certificate.

What is the role of godparents?
Godparents make the same promises on behalf of the child being baptised as parents. Godparents promise to pray for and support the child and to help the parents to bring up the child in the Christian faith. It is an important and responsible role.

How many godparents do I need to appoint for my child’s christening?
You should have at least three godparents: two of the same sex as the child and one of the opposite sex. Godparents can be family members or friends. However, it is important that you choose people who will take an interest in your child's spiritual welfare and who will pray for you and your child.  Godparents must themselves be baptised, and should also be confirmed.

I was not baptised as a child. Do I need godparents now I am being baptised?
Those who are older when they are baptised have sponsors rather than godparents. The role of the sponsor is slightly different as they are not to speak for the person being baptised, but to formally present them for baptism and to help them in their growth as Christians after they have been baptised.

There should be at least two and preferably three sponsors who are chosen by the candidates themselves before their baptism. Like godparents they need to be baptised and normally also confirmed.

Are godparents also guardians?
No. The church has no power to appoint guardians although of course the parents may choose to appoint the godparents as guardians in the event of their deaths. This needs to be specified in their wills.

Does christening a child make him or her a Christian?
No. It is up to each person to decide whether to follow Jesus Christ. To support children in their learning about Jesus, it is important to attend church regularly as a family so that you can all grow as part of the community which follows Jesus.

What does it cost?
A Baptism service is free, though there may be a small charge for a certificate. Please contact the Parish Office.