A delight amidst controversy

 

IF there is any delight this week amidst the controversial Allah issue, it would have to be the baptism of baby Prince George.

The media used the word “christening.” But baptism derives from the Bible – and Jesus was baptised -- no doubt about it.

Christening is said to be a traditional word which means becoming a member of the Christian Church, more commonly used by Catholics. But being a Methodist, I stand corrected.

The essence of it is that the world witnessed baby Prince George joining the family of the Church, numbering almost two billion around the world.

The media in UK called it a moment of historical significance because as King of England one day, the first-born of William and Kate will be Supreme Governor of the Church of England, founded by King Henry VIII in 1534 during the English Reformation -- and Prince George is welcomed into the Church through his baptism.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Rev Justin Welby -- as with any other infants’ baptism -- marked the Prince with the sign of the cross on the forehead and splashed water on his head.

“All babies are unbelievably special, not only royal babies. But Prince George’s christening does carry an extra significance.

“As a nation we are celebrating the birth of someone who, in due course, will be the Head of State. That’s extraordinary. It gives you a sense of forward-looking, of the forwardness of history as well as the backwardness of history, and what a gift to have this new life and to look forward.”

The Archbishop mentioned three extraordinary things in this baptism.

The first is baptism, at its heart, is about the gift of God, about God’s gift of life, not just ordinary physical life but also the offer of spiritual life to all of us – so eternal life.

The second is the extraordinary moment because that is the sign by which we understand this person belongs to God.

And the third is Welby’s message for Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, George’s parents.

“My message to them would be what a treat, what an amazing gift, what wonderful times that you will have. There will be great times and tough times -- there always are with children. Through christening, you are bringing God into the middle of it all and I know when He is in the middle of it all, somehow it is held in his hands, and that is extraordinary.”

Welby undoubtedly said something more than a royal speech – he hopes the baptism of Prince George will inspire others to seek the same ceremony.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are known as global trend-setters, capable of influencing the world in buying habits and fashion trends.

It isn’t clear whether baptism will become a trend too. But many people are holding high hopes that this will be a “trend.”

Rev Chris Howson, priest at Sunderland, UK, believing that baptism is a way to give thanks for a new creation, said the royal couple had given their three-month-old son the greatest gift a parent can give a child.

Reports said that baptisms in the Church of England have been cut in half since 1980, and in Canada, the number of baptisms by the United Church of Canada has dropped to around 6,000 from 32,000 over the same period. In the US, baptism rates are at 60-year lows in some churches.

Tom Archer-Mills, chair of the British Monarchist Society, also believes Prince George’s christening will prompt discussions about christenings.

He said something beyond the christening too: “Even with increased immigration and a diverse population, all religions can relate to the service. 

“Each religion has its own rite of passage. I hope by the time Prince George takes the throne, he will be the defender of the faith which will encompass all of the religions of the United Kingdom.”

Parenting takes hard work with huge challenges. In christening ceremony, godparents are chosen for the baby. With seven godparents named, each taking a particular interest in the upbringing of the prince, William and Kate can be completely certain they have many by their side in their parenting path.

It should not be a wasted wish to hope that the world will follow William and Kate’s decision – bringing their babies to the teachings of the Bible and naming good godparents for parental support and for the growing child to look up to in times of difficulties.

By the grace of God, there is something to look forward in our next generations that when by the time they grow up, they will be the defenders of truths and faiths that encompass all religions, and excellently –

In essentials, unity

In doubtful things, liberty

In all things, give thanks to God.