In the Church of Scotland Baptism is a Sacrament. It is through this event that we are welcomed into God’s family. Baptism is the sign of God's grace in Jesus Christ, and marks our entry into the fellowship of the Church.

Who can receive Baptism?
The Sacrament of Baptism is available to children of parents who believe in God, and who also accept and confess Jesus Christ to be their Lord and Saviour. At least one of the parents must be a member or adherent of the Congregation.

What about Adult Baptism?

Adult Baptism is offered to every believer if they have not already been baptised as a child. Christian baptism is only administered once to any person. Thus if you have been baptised as a child you will not be re-baptised as an adult.

Who takes the Vows?

Adults can take vows for themselves but where children are being presented for the Sacrament, the parents [who must have been Baptised themselves] are required to answer the stated questions. Under Act V of 2000 an appropriate family member can take the vows.

What promises do I have to take?

The Minister will ask the parents the following questions:

• In presenting this child for Baptism, do you confess your own faith in God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit?

• Do you promise, depending on God's help, to teach your child the truths and duties of the Christian Faith; and by prayer, precept, and example, to bring him/her up in God's ways and in the life of the Church?

What if I cannot answer "I do" to these vows for my child?
Should you feel that you cannot make the commitment as stated in the vows then we can provide a Service of Dedication and Thanksgiving. This is not a Sacrament, and no vows are taken by the parents. This leaves an opportunity for Baptism at a later date.

What is the actual law of the Church regarding eligibility for baptism?

Here we refer to: Act V 2000 of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland:

4.   Baptism may be administered to a person upon profession of faith.

(a)    The minister and Kirk Session shall judge whether the person is of sufficient maturity to make personal profession of faith, where necessary in consultation with the parent (s) or legal guardian (s).

(b)   Baptism may be administered only after the person has received such instruction in its meaning as the minister and Kirk Session consider necessary, according to such basis of instruction as may be authorised by the General Assembly.

(c)    In cases of uncertainty as to whether a person has been baptised or validly baptised, baptism shall be administered conditionally.

5.   Baptism may be administered to a person with learning difficulties who makes an appropriate profession of faith, where the minister and Kirk Session are satisfied that the person shall be nurtured within the life and worship of the Church.

6.   Baptism may be administered to a child:

(a)    where at least one parent, or other family member (with parental consent), having been baptised and being on the communion roll of the congregation, will undertake the Christian upbringing of the child;

(b)   where at least one parent, or other family member (with parental consent), having been baptised but not on the communion roll of the congregation, satisfies the minister and Kirk Session that he or she is an adherent of the congregation and will undertake the Christian upbringing of the child;

(c)    where at least one parent, or other family member (with parental consent), having been baptised, professes the Christian faith, undertakes to ensure that the child grows up in the life and worship of the Church and expresses the desire to seek admission to the communion roll of the congregation;

(d)   where the child is under legal guardianship, and the minister and Kirk Session are satisfied that the child shall be nurtured within the life and worship of the congregation;

and, in each of the above cases, only after the parent (s), or other family member, has received such instruction in its meaning as the minister and Kirk Session consider necessary, according to such basis of instruction as may be authorised by the General Assembly.