Sometimes in families, the parents have different church backgrounds. Practising partners in these ‘interchurch marriages’ often want to know that both their churches will be involved in the Christian upbringing of their children.

The best way of demonstrating this, in the case of an Anglican/Roman Catholic couple, is for the two ministers to take part together, although only one should perform the actual baptism. Possibilities really depend on the willingness of the particular clergy concerned to co-operate. Where they are so willing, they can share the service between them. Many bishops encourage their clergy to participate in this way.

A shared celebration of baptism can be a very good way of bringing two families and two congregations together. Even if there is no strong church connection, denominational differences may surface when considering baptism. Pastoral sensitivity is needed from both churches.

Baptism Registers

Some couples are also very keen for the baptism to be registered in both their churches. This is usually more difficult for the Roman Catholic priest, if he does not perform the actual baptism, i.e. the pouring of the water and the saying of the baptismal formula. If the service takes place in the Anglican church building, he may be permitted to do this under Anglican ecumenical canons (if it is a Local Ecumenical Partnership under canon B44.4 (1) (e); if not, under canon B43 clause 9). He can then register the baptism as the celebrant, and the Anglican priest who shares the service with him can register the baptism because of the place. This will not be allowed in all Roman Catholic dioceses. What will be allowed is for the Anglican priest to take part in the baptism in the Catholic church. Some Anglican priests have been willing to register the baptism in this situation.

For further information on Baptism download our baptism leaflet.