Christenings and Spiritual Baptisms
Christening within the Unity tradition is a public act of welcoming a new life into the world and formally recognizing this beautiful soul by name, on its human journey. Our tradition is grounded in and guided by the ministry of the Master Teacher, Jesus, who was known to take children in his arms and bless them. Mark 10:13-16
A Christening ceremony is also created for the parents and others to express their dedication to raising the child in an awareness of the Loving Presence we call Love, Source, Spirit, God. The celebrating family can choose to have Godparents or sponsors participate in the Christening Service.
The Christening ceremony includes the elements of Holy water, rose petals and anointing with sacred oil. The blessed water symbolizes the purity of Spirit within. In ancient times those in prayer often reported the scent of roses as a symbol of the Christ presence; rose petals have long been representative of love. In ancient times, sacred oil was expensive and being anointed was a gesture of honoring the anointed. You may choose as many people as you wish, or have no Godparents. There is no legal obligation or responsibility made through a Christening service.
Individual Baptism ceremonies are available for infants and adults. Many adults baptized as infants choose to be baptized again as adults to renew their spiritual expression of God in a conscious way.
We do not baptize in the traditional Christian sense of washing away original sin. Our baptism ceremony is not intended to wash away sin. Rather, it is an acknowledgement and appreciation that you are a child of God joining us on this planet in human dimensions. All of us experience our consciousness becoming clouded by the shadows and illusions of this human experience. This keeps us from truly reflecting that part of us that is created in the image and likeness of God. Nevertheless, the pure essence of who you are remains intact and radiates with pure loving energy. Baptism is a ritual that symbolizes the cleansing of your consciousness so that you can truly reflect the loving Presence of Christ in you.