St Luke's Church Eccleshill - Articles from "The Link"

In the press and on the radio

Last month’s front-page item, on “Don’t Baptize Brooklyn Beckham” hit the media in a big way.

It explained the two “christenings”: the Baptism and Thanksgiving Services, and recommended David Beckham (who had said he “didn’t know into what religion yet”) to choose the Thanksgiving.

It reached the Church of England Newspaper, the Yorkshire Post, the Sun, Radio 2’s Jimmy Young programme, Radio Leeds (three times) and the Telegraph & Argus.

Here are some of the main questions and replies which I have heard in this debate:

Q. Isn’t the attitude “don’t baptize” very negative and unwelcoming?
A. No: we are recommending a very positive and friendly service in the Thanksgiving and Blessing.

Q. But why not baptism?
A. Because baptism is basically about making promises. We want people to be able to look the vicar in the eye afterwards.

Q. Isn’t baptism about God’s grace, not just about promises?
A. It’s about both. “Grace” means God’s free gift, and this is expressed in the Thanksgiving and Blessing service. The “grace” in the baptism service is only in the context of faith.

Q. Wouldn’t “private” baptisms be better, to avoid embarrassment at having to speak in front of a big congregation?
A. No, because the congregation has to witness the promises. Thanksgivings can be private, but not baptisms.

Q. Don’t you feel “used” by families who come for a one-off and then are never seen again at church?
A. No, we welcome people who want to come, and we think church is the right place to say “thank-you God” for a baby. But we are dubious about promises if folk don’t mean them.

Q. Isn’t baptism basically between the family and God? Is it any of your business to interfere?
A. The bible says our faith must be public (Mark 8:38) and we must meet together (Heb 10:25). It is our business to point this out.

Q. Isn’t baptism ultimately the parents’ decision?
A. No, it’s the church’s decision. (e.g. in Acts 8:36 the Ethiopian asks Philip, he doesn’t tell him). C of E law makes this clear.

Q. Doesn’t the bible say baptism is for adult believers only?
A. No - the bible doesn’t say if infants were baptized or not. The C of E accepts infant baptism and also believers baptism.

Q. Has David Beckham replied?
A. No, not yet. Give him time!

John Hartley

	*St Luke's Church, Eccleshill - The Link* magazine** The Link is published monthly at 40p (Senior Citizens 35p), and we deliver free within the parish and post copies (at the reader's expense) to those who request it. Please contact us if you would like a free copy for a trial period. May 2002, Page 2.
Home Page. Index of articles. Media comment. Christenings etc: index, Thanksgivings, Confirmation, Brooklyn, Reflections. In this issue: (May 2002) Vicar's Letter, Christening, Basement, Question. Media comment: Original article. CEN Yorkshire Post The Sun Radio Leeds Radio Leeds 2 Jimmy Young Bradford T&A Reflections.	In the press and on the radio Last month’s front-page item, on “Don’t Baptize Brooklyn Beckham” hit the media in a big way. It explained the two “christenings”: the Baptism and Thanksgiving Services, and recommended David Beckham (who had said he “didn’t know into what religion yet”) to choose the Thanksgiving. It reached the Church of England Newspaper, the Yorkshire Post, the Sun, Radio 2’s Jimmy Young programme, Radio Leeds (three times) and the Telegraph & Argus. Here are some of the main questions and replies which I have heard in this debate: Q. Isn’t the attitude “don’t baptize” very negative and unwelcoming? A. No: we are recommending a very positive and friendly service in the Thanksgiving and Blessing. Q. But why not baptism? A. Because baptism is basically about making promises. We want people to be able to look the vicar in the eye afterwards. Q. Isn’t baptism about God’s grace, not just about promises? A. It’s about both. “Grace” means God’s free gift, and this is expressed in the Thanksgiving and Blessing service. The “grace” in the baptism service is only in the context of faith. Q. Wouldn’t “private” baptisms be better, to avoid embarrassment at having to speak in front of a big congregation? A. No, because the congregation has to witness the promises. Thanksgivings can be private, but not baptisms. Q. Don’t you feel “used” by families who come for a one-off and then are never seen again at church? A. No, we welcome people who want to come, and we think church is the right place to say “thank-you God” for a baby. But we are dubious about promises if folk don’t mean them. Q. Isn’t baptism basically between the family and God? Is it any of your business to interfere? A. The bible says our faith must be public (Mark 8:38) and we must meet together (Heb 10:25). It is our business to point this out. Q. Isn’t baptism ultimately the parents’ decision? A. No, it’s the church’s decision. (e.g. in Acts 8:36 the Ethiopian asks Philip, he doesn’t tell him). C of E law makes this clear. Q. Doesn’t the bible say baptism is for adult believers only? A. No - the bible doesn’t say if infants were baptized or not. The C of E accepts infant baptism and also believers baptism. Q. Has David Beckham replied? A. No, not yet. Give him time! John Hartley
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