Through our baptism, we have passed from darkness to light. We have received the Light of Christ. It is time to let our light shine.

With the upcoming service of Holy Baptism on The Day of Pentecost, this June 12, 2011, it is important to remind ourselves what Baptism means and to reflect on our baptismal covenant. If you would like to read the service of Holy Baptism, see the The Book of Alternative Services, starting at page 145. If you are thinking about being baptized, please contact us. 

Holy Baptism

Christians are not just baptized individuals;
they are a new humanity.

Baptism is the sign of new life in Christ. Baptism unites Christ with his people. That union is both individual and corporate. Christians are, it is true, baptized one by one, but to be a Christian is to be part of a new creation which rises from the dark waters of Christ’s death into the dawn of his risen life. Christians are not just baptized individuals; they are a new humanity.

The scriptures of the New Testament and the liturgy of the Church unfold the meaning of baptism in various images (often based on Old Testament water symbols) which express the mystery of salvation.
Baptism is participation in Christ’s death and resurrection (Romans 6.3–5; Colossians 2.12); a washing away of sin (1 Corinthians 6.11); a new birth (John 3.5); an enlightenment by Christ (Ephesians 5.14); a reclothing in Christ (Galatians 3.27); a renewal by the Spirit (Titus 3.5); the experience of salvation from the flood (1 Peter 3.20–21); an exodus from bondage (1 Corinthians 10.1–2) and a liberation into a new humanity in which barriers of division, whether of sex or race or social status, are transcended (Galatians 3.27–28; 1 Corinthians 12.13). The images are many but the reality is one.