[Magdalen] Baptism refused...

[Michael Bishop]

Of course, in the CofE, the only legal grounds on which a baptism can be 
delayed is for the purpose of instructing the candidate/sponsors.
I have only once not agreed to go ahead with a baptism withing a short 
period. That was when I was approached by a mother wanting her two sons 
baptised. When i visited the home, the father firmly objected to the 
baptism taking pl;ace. I told them that, whilst I was willing to baptise 
the children, i would not do so unless both parents consented. The 
baptisms did not take place at that time, although I left it open for 
them to come back to me. In due course mother contacted me again - her 
husband had agreed to allow the baptisms to take place but on two 
conditions: a) he would not attend the service; b) the mother must bring 
the boys to church every Sunday. I think that father expected mum not to 
wamnt to bring them - but she took him at hgis word and the three of 
them became very regular worshippers within a couple of years, the boys 
were stalwarts of our church choir and then mother and sons were 
cponfirmed. When a further child was born, there was no dispute about 
the baptism. Dad still did not attend, but the baby was baptised  
without any debate. He was even named after me!

....
....
God bless

Michael Bishop
rev at michaelbishop.name

Rector of Boylestone, Church Broughton, Dalbury, Longford, Long Lane, Sutton-on-the-Hill & Trusley

Diocese of Derby, England

On 05/05/2015 19:44, Jo Craddock wrote:
> That would not be me. I was just curious, if, e.g., the parents wanted 
> a baptism for some secular reason (cynical me thinks $$) and were not 
> willing, nor had anyone, to make the promises on behalf of the child 
> your alleged minister required (bringing her up in the faith, etc.).
>
> Perhaps the only twit thing was the person requesting it not baptizing 
> her, on their own.
>
> While I think we miss the boat, in some instances, involving families 
> more in the life of the church with the easy-peasy instruction our 
> current rector calls for, I am ever-more grateful for his "anyone, 
> anytime, anywhere" approach to baptism (and funerals).
>
> Peace,
> Jo
>
> On 05/05/2015 1:20 PM, James Oppenheimer-Crawford wrote:
>> Sorry, I don't have too much info about particulars, so if anyone 
>> wants to
>> interpret it to make my family out to be a bunch of twits and the church
>> blameless, then by all means do whatever makes your heart sing.
>