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Update 41 page 1.
In Update 41:
Burning Boats?
CW Baptism
For infants?
Not out of mind
Baptism & Unity
Praxis Pack
What is Baptism?
Initiation initiatives
Burning Boats or Fearful Compliance?
"Chairman's Chat" - Clifford Owen
Earlier this year Rev’d Ian Robins wrote: “Thank you for all you are doing ... I’m sure that part of the resistance to change in this area has nothing to do with theological convictions on baptism, but is simply an understandable clergy dread of appearing unwelcoming, or getting an adverse press coverage along the lines of ‘The Vicar won’t baptise...’. Should an article in Update face this issue of clergy feelings and fear?”
Thank you, Ian: here are some opening shots. One of the reasons I wrote Baptise Every Baby? ten years ago was simply to tell the story of trying to tighten up the baptismal policy in a Hampshire Team Ministry. I hoped it would help and encourage others who were hoping to do similar things. Where did we get the courage from and how did we overcome fears? The clue is in that word ‘team’.
The steps we took were progressive and were born out of an ongoing discussion in the staff meeting. Not only that, but the staff discussion was set in a wider context of PCC and parish discussion. There was an ‘anti-’ lobby, but there was a PCC mandate and a tacit approval (so we thought) from the bishop. A new incumbent who wanted an even tighter policy raised the temperature of the debate, and it became clear we didn’t have the support of the diocesan staff. The clergy team was gradually replaced by ‘safer pairs of hands.’ (If you want the book I will send it for £2.)
There is, in honesty, a political element in all this. I mean what is possible from a support base. It is important that the baptismal policy should have the support first of one’s own conscience, and then of wardens and PCC. It may not be possible in some parishes to do much, but owning one’s convictions (‘coming out’) is a vital first step. If it is courage you look for, it is easier to find it for your own convictions than for someone else’s! It can be quite liberating; even if for the time being you cannot do much.
In the early years of MORIB I had many letters from concerned clergy who had struggled alone with this one for years. One said that he baptised many “with a heavy heart”. One of the reasons MORIB exists is to offer such support in conscience to clergy who battle alone.
There have also been climate changes over a number last years, which have changed the possible support bases from which one starts - both positive and negative changes. Hence MORIB’s role in education and promoting debate.
Clifford Owen
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