CHAPEL

Baptisms at Newington College

Baptism is a sacrament of the Christian Church. It is the entry point for people to become members of the universal Christian Church (not denominations). Its form, administration and the covenant promises made during the service, are governed by ecumenical agreements and church regulations designed to preserve the integrity of the sacrament.

During 2007 the Uniting Church School Chaplain’s reviewed the place of Baptism is Church Schools. As church schools are neither formally a recognised congregation nor a faith community, they do not have the authority to baptise children unless they are linked to a recognised worshiping congregation. The Uniting Church Board of Education is investigating a way forward that may change the place and authority of schools within the Uniting Church.

The situation is complex and evolving, but sufficiently sensitive within the Uniting Church and the wider Ecumenical Church to require the Chaplains to review the practices at Newington College. We do not have a formal association with a Uniting Church Congregation and technically cannot baptise.

The Chaplains believe that it is important to honour the traditions and expectation within the Newington College Community. We also recognise the importance of preserving the integrity of the Uniting Church’s theology and practice concerning Baptism. The Chaplains at Newington College are in placement under the authority of the Uniting Church in Australia through the Presbytery of Sydney. This means we are accountable to the Uniting Church for our administration of the sacrament of Baptism.

To attempt to satisfy the expectations of the Newington community and the Uniting Church, the Chaplains have decided to cease the practice of providing for private Baptisms within the Newington Chapel. We have decided to be proactive in providing our community with the opportunity to learn about the meaning of Baptism and to provide alternative pathways to Baptisms in Newington College.

There are two pathways open to families who want their children Baptised at Newington College.

A demonstrated link with a worshiping congregation.

Parents must present the chaplains with a letter of authorisation from a worshiping Christian Church Congregation (Uniting Church or otherwise).

This letter must state that the congregation (church) is prepared to:

• send an appropriate representative to be present at the Baptism at Newington College.
• take pastoral responsibility for the child after the Baptism.

The parents must attend a Baptism Information evening (set for several times a year) where the meaning of Baptism, the order of service and the promises made by parents are explained by the Chaplains.

The Baptism can take place at a mutually agreed time with the church representative making the promises usually made by the gathered worshiping members of a congregation.

The parents of the child to be Baptised take responsibility for approaching the congregation of their choice.

The Chaplains will formally write to this congregation asking them to take up pastoral responsibility for the Baptised child.

The Baptism takes place in a normal worship service of Newington College.

The parents must attend a Baptism Information evening (set for several times a year) where the meaning of Baptism, the order of service and the promises made by parents are explained by the Chaplains.

The Baptism takes place in a normal House or Year worship services which happen at designated times throughout the year.

The parents will nominate a local congregation that will take pastoral responsibility for the Baptised child.

The Chaplains will formally write to this congregation asking them to take up pastoral responsibility for the Baptised child.

House Chapels for 2009 are listed on the main Chapel page.