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Scribbleye · Oct 1, 2010, 09:17 AM

I would like to baptize my child in Italy and in England into 2 different churches. Is this allowed? I know that baptizing in one church is enough but I would like to baptise the child in both countries.

tickle · Oct 1, 2010, 09:46 AM

There is no law against baptizing into two different religions; it is the parents' discretion actually and is done nowadays on a regular basis. It is actually quite nice and very thoughtful.

Tick

De Maria · Oct 4, 2010, 05:16 PM

Are you Catholic or is one of the Church's Catholic?

Fr_Chuck · Oct 4, 2010, 05:43 PM

As long as the pastor and the church ( denomination) does not care.

Scribbleye · Oct 5, 2010, 12:15 AM

My wife is Roman Catholic and I am Anglican (Church of England).

I have this response from a CofE vicar:

"In answer to your questions... No it isn't possible to have two baptisms, but you could have your daughter baptised in the Roman Catholic Church and have a service of thanksgiving in the Anglican Church."

RustyFairmount · Oct 9, 2010, 07:13 PM

No. There is but ONE baptism into Christ for the forgiveness of sins. I believe Paul writes about it in Ephesians. If it's done a second time, it's just a person getting dunked or drenched in water. A public shower. A spectacle, so to speak. They've already been baptized.

And... for those who wonder the Catholic church's position: If there is a document that certifies a Christian baptism has already taken place, regardless of the Christian church in which it took place, the Catholic church recognizes and accepts it. There is, however, a "welcoming" ceremony of sorts. No water or oils involved. Just a community praying and accepting the new person into their congregation.

Wondergirl · Oct 9, 2010, 07:30 PM

One baptism is enough. Why not come to the United States and do it again, and then travel to Canada and do it again?

Protestant and Catholic churches recognize each other's Christian baptism. A second "baptism" would be a blessing, not a baptism.

What would be the point of two? It's like having two weddings. I'm exhausted just thinking about it.

Alty · Oct 9, 2010, 08:12 PM

Okay, I have a silly question, and I make catch a bit flack for it.

I'm not Catholic, or Anglican, but if they're not the same, why do either one of them have to know about the other?

This is your child, if you want to have two baptisms, different churches, and you and your wife are both okay with it, than just don't tell either church that you're doing it. It's not like they'll know.

RustyFairmount · Oct 9, 2010, 08:27 PM

Giving you flack because you asked for it <wink>: God knows the baptism was done. So if you do it a second time but don't tell the second church, isn't that a LIE?? There's probably a rule against lies somewhere in the bible. ;-)

RustyFairmount · Oct 9, 2010, 08:28 PM

There was supposed to be a [wink] in the previous post that didn't show up. No ill-will was intended with that post. Just the obvious rhetorical question.

Wondergirl · Oct 9, 2010, 08:30 PM

Originally Posted by Altenweg

I'm not Catholic, or Anglican, but if they're not the same, why do either one of them have to know about the other?

They ARE the same.

Alty · Oct 9, 2010, 08:40 PM

Giving you flack because you asked for it <wink>: God knows the baptism was done. So if you do it a second time but don't tell the second church, isn't that a LIE?? There's probably a rule against lies somewhere in the bible. ;-)

I did ask for it. Ask and you shall receive? ;)

Yes, God (if he exists) does know it was done, but somehow I don't think he'd object, he's God. After all, the baby is being baptized into God's kingdom (or whatever) in both churches.

I guess I'm just wondering if this is really a God thing, or if it's a religion thing, neither church wanting the other to have "possession" of this child. If it's really about God than isn't he everywhere? Isn't he a part of both these churches?

I just don't understand why it's such a big deal if both the parents agree to it? They're not really lying to either church, they're just not telling the men that run the churches that they may have competition. ;)

Alty · Oct 9, 2010, 08:43 PM

Originally Posted by Wondergirl

They ARE the same.

So Roman Catholic is exactly the same as Anglican?

Why did the OP not say "we're both Roman Catholic" or "we're both Anglican" then? There must be some difference, otherwise why differentiate between the two?

JoeCanada76 · Oct 9, 2010, 08:47 PM

Yes there are some big differences between Anglican and Catholic churches. They have similar history. Anglican is break away from the Catholic church so there are many similarities as well.

Wondergirl · Oct 9, 2010, 08:59 PM

Originally Posted by Altenweg

So Roman Catholic is exactly the same as Anglican?

Why did the OP not say "we're both Roman Catholic" or "we're both Anglican" then? There must be some difference, otherwise why differentiate between the two?

They, of course, are not the same in doctrine, but that is not the question. Their baptisms are the same -- washing with water in the name of the Trinity, i.e. Christian.

jakester · Oct 9, 2010, 11:39 PM

Do you think God really cares? I mean, we can ask if it is allowed in one church or another, etc. but just take a giant step back and ask, what do you think really matters to God?

JoeCanada76 · Oct 9, 2010, 11:52 PM

Personally I do not even think baptism is that important. It is more of an outward display publicly stating that you dedicate your child to God. This is for others and the benefit of the family. Not of God. That is my personal take on it.

I also believe that God does not really care what church or churches. In your heart, you belong to God. You yourself can dedicate your child to God.

I believe that we are part of God and God has already baptized us through his Holy Spirit. As soon as we are created.

tickle · Oct 10, 2010, 06:21 AM

Originally Posted by Wondergirl

They ARE the same.

No not the same, there are a few major differences. Anglican priests are allowed to marry whereby RC priests are not and the Anglican church is not governed by the Pope, but by the Archbiship of Canterbury in England. Women in the Anglican church can become priests; it is not allowed in the roman catholic church. So, yes, these are major differences.

Tick

Fr_Chuck · Oct 10, 2010, 06:46 AM

Baptism in churches that do infants, such as Lutheran, Anglican, Catholic, Orthodox and a few others take this as a serious sacrament. They teach that a infant is born with sin, the original sin of Adam ( please lets not argue that here) and that baptism is needed to save the child, who will latter at confirmation confirm his baptism vows at about the age of 12. And once done, there is no need to repeat it. Other churches may have a blessing of an infant or a dedication of the child. This is not a sacrament to them and not a serious issue.

To not tell the truth to a pastor would be to me unforgivable, and there will of course always be a pastor if you "shop around" who will not mind doing a second service if you really want one for show.

But you could have the baptism at one place and then have a re-dedication service ( looks like a baptism) at the other if you want to.

DoulaLC · Oct 10, 2010, 07:36 AM

Originally Posted by Scribbleye

I would like to baptize my child in Italy and in England into 2 different churches. Is this allowed? I know that baptizing in one church is enough but I would like to baptise the child in both countries.

Some churches will allow it, some won't. You will have to inquire at both locations.