Baptism in Other Christian Faiths

[Zenas]

I have read that the Catholic Church will accept the baptism of other Christian faiths, as long as it was done in the name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Is this true, and where can I find something official that says so?

 

[Ganyssa]

I found this link on the Archdiocese of Newark’s website. Hopefully it’s helpful

rcan.org/images//worship/07BCNCC.pdf

Since it’s from 2006, some things could have changed. The only thing I can tell you for certain is that my denomination’s baptisms are valid. You should still verify any specific denomination.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

I have read that the Catholic Church will accept the baptism of other Christian faiths, as long as it was done in the name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Is this true, and where can I find something official that says so?

You will find details in the documents on ecumenism.

 

[Moscati]

As I understand it, the Church will technically accept the baptism of anyone (Christian or not) who “intends to do as the Church does”, and uses water and the Trinitarian formula.

 

[Spencerian]

I have read that the Catholic Church will accept the baptism of other Christian faiths, as long as it was done in the name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Is this true, and where can I find something official that says so?

Hi, Zenas.

The Code of Canon Law for baptism does not detail the verbal form for validity but notes the requirements for the initiators, sponsors and officiants.

This section of the Catechism of the Catholic Church does specify the proper words and method of baptism. That should be official enough for you.

In short, any Christian faith that uses a similiar Trinitarian form of baptism ("In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit) create a valid baptism in the eyes of the Church.

One important exception to the use of the Trinitarian formula: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, also known as the Mormons, have an invalid baptism. While they use the proper words, their theology is, in effect, polytheistic (They believe that followers can become a god elsewhere after “exultation”, implying that God was once a man Himself). A Mormon convert to the faith is baptized again in the proper form, matter and intent.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

Hi, Zenas.

The Code of Canon Law for baptism does not detail the verbal form for validity but notes the requirements for the initiators, sponsors and officiants.

This section of the Catechism of the Catholic Church does specify the proper words and method of baptism. That should be official enough for you.

In short, any Christian faith that uses a similiar Trinitarian form of baptism ("In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit) create a valid baptism in the eyes of the Church.

One important exception to the use of the Trinitarian formula: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, also known as the Mormons, have an invalid baptism. While they use the proper words, their theology is, in effect, polytheistic (They believe that followers can become a god elsewhere after “exultation”, implying that God was once a man Himself). A Mormon convert to the faith is baptized again in the proper form, matter and intent.

You wil find more specifics on this matter in:

Directory Concerning Ecumenical Matters: Part One

***Section II ***
Starting at paragraph 9

 

[Zenas]

Thank you all for your answers. They were very helpful.