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baptism

  • 6 Jan 2014
    C of E criticises newspaper over 'misleading' baptism story

    The Church of England has issued a rebuttal of a factually inaccurate Mail on Sunday story about changes to its baptism liturgy.

  • 5 Jan 2014
    Is baptism being watered down?

    Former Bishop of Rochester Michael Nazir-Ali has criticised a proposed alternative baptism service. This is being piloted in a number of churches before the Church of England decides whether to let it be used more widely. While the church should try to make worship widely accessible, changes that make getting baptised seem less meaningful should be avoided.

  • 28 Oct 2013
    All baptisms are royal baptisms

    Media coverage of George Windsor's baptism gave the impression that baptism is about conformity. Baptism began in a far more radical way, before its domestication by the powerful. Since then, many people have rediscovered baptism's original subversive force, as a sign of dedication to the kingdom of God – and a rejection of the kingdoms of this world.

  • 31 May 2011
    Pilgrims are returning to West Bank holy site

    Pilgrims are flowing back to the traditional site of Jesus' baptism on the Jordan River as Israel removes 40-year-old land mines. But barbed wire remains.

  • 10 Feb 2011
    Baptism: A new world coming

    Baptism is much more than a comforting ritual, says Savi Hensman. It is to be marked with the sign of a condemned criminal, to refuse imprisoning and narrow identities, to face up to mortality, and to be immersed in a new world where justice and peace reign.

  • 2 Aug 2010
    River where Jesus was baptised 'too polluted' for pilgrims

    Health concerns relating to water quality have triggered an environmental advocacy group to call for the banning of baptisms in the lower Jordan River.

  • 8 Mar 2010
    Baptist church attendance goes up - as membership goes down

    The Baptist Union of Great Britain has seen an increase in church attendance along with a decline in church membership. The figures are likely to fuel debate about the relationship between participation in a church and formal membership.

  • 7 Dec 2009
    Hope coming from the wilderness

    The message of Advent is that, in the face of our human crises, change is coming and change is possible, says Simon Barrow. And it is a curious desert prophet who signals its depths and possibilities.

  • 9 Oct 2009
    The Daily Mail's "Christian values"

    Not for the first time, the Daily Mail has got rather confused about Christian values.

  • 8 Feb 2008
    Baptism by water torture

    The recent debate about waterboarding raises awkward questions about the religious associations of torture in US policy, says William Schweiker. He argues that it is time for repentance.