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Initiation ritual/infant baptism
The Sacrament of Baptism, the initiation ritual common in Christianity, normally takes place in infancy. Some Methodists prefer to let their children wait until they are old enough to make up their own mind. In the latter case there may be a dedication ceremony, without water.
Essential Practice Point 5
- Most Methodists would wish to have an infant in danger of death baptised. It is preferable that this be conducted by a Methodist minister. In an emergency the baptism can be conducted by a Minister or lay person of another Christian church. A midwife or other healthcare practitioner may therefore be asked to baptise a baby. Should this happen, the baptism may be performed by pouring a little water on the child's forehead three times, whilst saying the words "(child's name), I baptise you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen". The baptism is concluded by making the sign of the Cross on the child's forehead.
(Return to Summary of Essential Practice Points)
- In some situations, such as when a baby is very small and/or in an incubator, it may be more appropriate to anoint the baby's forehead once with the baptismal water, using the words above and the sign of the cross.
- Should a child die before the baptism is carried out, prayers can be said, but a baptism cannot be performed. A Methodist minister can perform a naming ceremony with the parents consent in these circumstances.
Foetal, infant and child death
There are no specific religious requirements governing miscarriage and stillbirth. A Methodist chaplain/minister will be willing to perform a religious ritual or service that will be sensitive to the situation on request from the parents. It will be necessary to discern the parents' wishes in these cases and call the Methodist chaplain/minister as appropriate.
Normally a service is held for deceased infants and children, while the nature of the service depends on the age of the child and the parents' wishes. The chaplain will be a resource in these matters.
Memento of a deceased child
- Some families greatly appreciate mementos of their child, such as photographs, hand/foot-prints, a lock of hair, etc. It is appropriate to ask if families would find this helpful.
