Sentamu joins open-air baptisms on Easter Sunday
Posted: Sunday, March 23, 2008, 8:41 (GMT)
Christians of many denominations and traditions came together in York's Parliament Street on Easter Day Sunday as 20 people entered into their new life with Jesus Christ through baptism by complete immersion in a large tank of water.
Baptism of new adult believers by total immersion (being bodily dipped under water) is highly symbolic of the Christian's death to their old life and re-birth in Jesus Christ, and was a particularly appropriate way to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus himself on Easter Day, three days after his execution on the cross, organisers said.
The celebration was put together by One Voice York, a network of Christian churches and leaders of different denominations working together across the city.
The York baptisms on Easter Day included members of a number of local churches of different denominations.
The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, participated in the baptism of all the candidates in partnership with their own church leader who was in the water with them.
Joint Chair of One Voice York Graham Hutchinson asked each candidate and all those present to affirm their faith before the baptisms.
He said, "New life in Jesus Christ is open to everyone, always, but Easter is a great time for people to make that public commitment - celebrating the fact that Jesus was risen to new life after death.
"The open-air baptisms in the centre of York are a sign that Jesus is alive and with us; that his death and new life are for everyone; and that this great news brings all Christians together."
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The comments below are readers' personal opinions and are in no way intended to reflect the editorial opinion of Christian Today.
Added: Friday, March 28, 2008, 0:53 (GMT)
I was baptised at St Michael le Belfrey on Easter Sunday. It was more significant to me, spiritually, than I had expected it to be. I signed up to do it out of obedience, because it says in the Bible that Jesus was baptised and he recommended baptism for his disciples. But I truly believe something changed in me on Sunday when I was baptised, it moves me every time I write about it, and having been a Christian all my life I did not expect it to be such a milestone. I think it was something to do with the declaration in public about how strongly I feel about my faith, that’s a real victory for the forces of good and a kick in the teeth for the deceiver. Also, it’s possible to have doubts every so often about whether we really believe but after saying loudly in church in front of hundreds of people ‘I accept Christ’ and then being dunked in cold water, I am not going to forget that easily. I feel good about myself for having had the guts to do it. After my baptism I felt really, really clean like almost so clean it hurt. And I feel like my past sins are just a distant memory. I could probably remember them if I sat down and tried to think back but I’m not going to. I’m not saying I won’t ever sin again but the guilt doesn’t hang over me any more. I’m free. That’s what I feel – freedom. Since my baptism I feel brand new again.
Marion, York
