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The Book of Common Prayer - Part III

© Michael P. Spencer

The Sacramental Rites

Anglicans recognize seven Sacraments. The first two, Baptism and Communion are considered instituted by Christ. The remaining five, Matrimony, Holy Orders, Unction, Reconciliation, and Confirmation, are considered Sacramental in that they have become such by and through the ancient traditions of the Church. The second installment of this series of articles covered Communion within the service of Holy Eucharist, so there will be no explanation of it here. It is fitting then, to begin with Baptism, as it is the beginning act of our lives in the Church.

Holy Baptism

Holy Baptism is introduced this way in the Book of Common Prayer 1979:

Holy Baptism is the full institution by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ's Body the Church. The bond which God establishes in Baptism is indissoluble.

Anglicans follow the practice of baptizing infants and children, as well as adults. The Catechism gives this reason for baptizing infants: "Infants are baptized so that they can share citizenship in the Covenant, membership in Christ, and redemption by God." There are provisions made in the liturgy of Holy Baptism for the baptism of adults, and for those who may have already been baptized, but do not know for sure. Another interesting note about baptism is that any adult Christian may perform a baptism under emergency circumstances. For example, if after birth it is determined the child will die shortly and there is no time to send for a priest, a lay person may perform a simple baptism with water and using the words, "I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." I have never seen this done or performed it myself, but have heard stories of dying infants baptized by concerned parents and grandparents. I will not debate the theology at work here. Suffice it to say that baptism is taken seriously by most observant Christians, and Anglicans are no different in this case.

Confirmation

Confirmation is described by the Catechism as the rite in which we express a mature commitment to Christ, and receive strength from the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop. This rite must be performed by a bishop. Recall that Anglican churches are structured with bishops in the role of chief pastors of the church, as opposed to a Congregational or Presbyterian structure. Therefore, confirmation requires that the person making the adult commitment to the church do so to the pastor of the church, the bishop. As with baptism, confirmation takes place within the service of Holy Eucharist, and is marked by the bishop's laying of hands on the confirmands and saying a prayer for each one.

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