Does Jeremiah Wright's "Trinity United Church of Christ" denomination baptize their members?

[livingwordunity]

Of course, I have no intention of joining this denomination. I’m just curious to know if they baptize their members. I’m asking because I took a look on their website. On the “About Us” webpage, it only says they are “unashamedly black and unapologetically Christian” but then only goes on to talk about God in relation to black social justice. On their “Ministries” webpage there seems to be every social topic imaginable and something about marriage but nothing about baptism. In fact, I couldn’t find any information at all on their website that deals with any specific theological question. It was all about social programs and different kinds of recreational activities in the black community.

 

[tabycat]

I heard someplace that the two Obama girls were baptized there.

 

[ltwin]

Of course, I have no intention of joining this denomination. I’m just curious to know if they baptize their members. I’m asking because I took a look on their website. On the “About Us” webpage, it only says they are “unashamedly black and unapologetically Christian” but then only goes on to talk about God in relation to black social justice. On their “Ministries” webpage there seems to be every social topic imaginable and something about marriage but nothing about baptism. In fact, I couldn’t find any information at all on their website that deals with any specific theological question. It was all about social programs and different kinds of recreational activities in the black community.

Trinity UCC is not a denomination. It is a congregation that is part of the United Church of Christ.

The United Church of Christ is a predominantly white mainline Christian denomination, so Trinity breaks the mold in a lot of ways. However, the UCC is a very liberal denomination to begin with.

The UCC is partly descended from the Congregationalist churches, so there is a lot of freedom for local churches to form their own identities.

The UCC does baptize and they are Trinitarians.

 

[livingwordunity]

Trinity UCC is not a denomination. It is a congregation that is part of the United Church of Christ.

The United Church of Christ is a predominantly white mainline Christian denomination, so Trinity breaks the mold in a lot of ways. However, the UCC is a very liberal denomination to begin with.

The UCC is partly descended from the Congregationalist churches, so there is a lot of freedom for local churches to form their own identities.

The UCC does baptize and they are Trinitarians.

But like you say, each congregation is totally independent. They can have UCC in their name, but they don’t have to follow anything that is taught by the main UCC. So, just because the main UCC denomination might baptize that doesn’t mean that TUCC congregation does. And if they do baptize I find it extremely odd that it would not be mentioned any place on their website, not even under the topic of “Ministries” where one would expect to find it. They talk about every other topic from Martial Arts, to Girl Scouts, to Yoga, but no mention of baptism.

 

[RyanBlack]

But like you say, each congregation is totally independent. They can have UCC in their name, but they don’t have to follow anything that is taught by the main UCC. So, just because the main UCC denomination might baptize that doesn’t mean that TUCC congregation does. And if they do baptize I find it extremely odd that it would not be mentioned any place on their website, not even under the topic of “Ministries” where one would expect to find it. They talk about every other topic from Martial Arts, to Girl Scouts, to Yoga, but no mention of baptism.

I checked on the website of the Baptist church in my hometown and could find nothing about baptism on the webpage, but I know that they practice baptism there. I also checked the website of an Episcopal parish I once attended and could find no information about baptism there either, but again, I know that they practice baptism.

 

[ltwin]

But like you say, each congregation is totally independent. They can have UCC in their name, but they don’t have to follow anything that is taught by the main UCC. So, just because the main UCC denomination might baptize that doesn’t mean that TUCC congregation does. And if they do baptize I find it extremely odd that it would not be mentioned any place on their website, not even under the topic of “Ministries” where one would expect to find it. They talk about every other topic from Martial Arts, to Girl Scouts, to Yoga, but no mention of baptism.

They are autonomous, but that doesn’t mean they have nothing in common with the rest of the UCC. A denomination where no church agreed on anything would be highly unstable and untenable.

I don’t find it strange that a church website does not mention anything about baptism. You can’t get baptized over the internet anyway. If someone wants baptism or know about what Trinity UCC believes about baptism, they can talk to someone from the church.

The UCC website states:

We believe that all of the baptized ‘belong body and soul to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.’ No matter who – no matter what – no matter where we are on life’s journey – notwithstanding race, gender, sexual orientation, class or creed – we all belong to God and to one worldwide community of faith. All persons baptized – past, present and future – are connected to each other and to God through the sacrament of baptism. We baptize during worship when the community is present because baptism includes the community’s promise of ‘love, support and care’ for the baptized – and we promise that we won’t take it back – no matter where your journey leads you.​

That is pretty strong language about baptism. It would be strange if member churches did not believe that.

 

[Nine_Two]

I’m curious why it is necessary that a parish website even mention baptism?

I just looked through the website of my current and former parish, the closest either of them gets to any of the sacraments is saying when the priests/deacons were ordained and married.

 

[livingwordunity]

I’m curious why it is necessary that a parish website even mention baptism?

I just looked through the website of my current and former parish, the closest either of them gets to any of the sacraments is saying when the priests/deacons were ordained and married.

Because baptism is supposed to be central to the Christian faith. Catholic parish websites typically talk about baptism because it’s something that is vitally important to us Catholics. To see the purpose of why baptism should be on a church website here’s an example:

Baptisms

http://www.baltimorebasilica.org/uploads/images/Various/baptism.jpg

***“By God’s gift through water and the Holy Spirit we are reborn to everlasting life. In his goodness, may he continue to pour out his blessings upon these sons and daughters of his.

May he make them always, wherever they may be, faithful members of his holy people. May he send his peace upon all who are gathered here, in Christ Jesus our Lord."
–From the Rite of Baptism***

Your child’s baptism is a most sacred day, and we at the Basilica are pleased that you are considering having your child baptized in America’s First Cathedral!

Baptismal FontWe ask that you first read the information section below, which answers some of the more commonly asked questions. Then, fill out and submit the request for information contact form found at the bottom of this page.

Some Frequently Asked Questions about Baptisms at the Basilica:

Q. How old can the child be?
A. From infant to five years of age. If the child is older than five years, and you are not a registered member of the Basilica parish, you will need to contact your local parish and register your child in their religious education program.

Q. Who can be a godparent?
A. Canon Law requires only one godparent, who must be a practicing Catholic and active in their parish. If there are to be 2 Godparents, one must be male, and the other must be female. If one of the godparents is not Catholic, but is a baptized Christian, they may serve as a Christian witness to the baptism along with the Catholic godparent.
**
Q. When can I register for the preparation class?**
A. After we receive and review your completed baptism registration form, you will be contacted by the parish office. Basilica Baptismal Preparation classes are held on the 1st Sunday of each month by appointment only (no walk ins). Both parents and godparents MUST attend a preparation class either at the Basilica or in their home parish.

Q. After I complete the required paperwork and attend the class, what happens next?
A. Unless you have arranged for an alternate date, baptisms will take place on the 2nd Sunday of each month following the 10:45 AM Mass. You will need to confirm that your child is scheduled for an agreed upon baptism date and time before making arrangements.

Q. How much does it cost?
A. The requested donation for a baptism for non-parishioners is $35.00 and does not include a clergy stipend. Parishioners registered for at least six months prior to the baptism are asked to make a free will offering.

Source

 

[ltwin]

Because baptism is supposed to be central to the Christian faith. Catholic parish websites typically talk about baptism because it’s something that is vitally important to us Catholics. To see the purpose of why baptism should be on a church website here’s an example:

I don’t see anything wrong with that. It can be helpful. However, if I’m going to a church it should not be that difficult to get information on baptism at the church. And if someone is so disinterested in physically taking part in my church that the only way they know what my church thinks about baptism is from the website’s FAQ page, then it may not be a good idea for my church to baptize that person or their children until they show at least a desire to be a part of the body of Christ they are interested in being baptized into.

So, while it can be helpful and informative to include baptism information on a church’s website, I don’t think its necessary. Websites are mainly for potential visitors, who would not really need to know about what a church believes and requires for baptism until they actually express an interest in becoming a member (and that would presumably mean actually having become involved and educated about said church).

 

[universityprof]

But like you say, each congregation is totally independent. They can have UCC in their name, but they don’t have to follow anything that is taught by the main UCC. So, just because the main UCC denomination might baptize that doesn’t mean that TUCC congregation does. And if they do baptize I find it extremely odd that it would not be mentioned any place on their website, not even under the topic of “Ministries” where one would expect to find it. They talk about every other topic from Martial Arts, to Girl Scouts, to Yoga, but no mention of baptism.

For the record, yes, they do baptize, just like the Catholics and many other religions. It’s a fine chruch.

 

[ltwin]

I checked on the website of the Baptist church in my hometown and could find nothing about baptism on the webpage, but I know that they practice baptism there. I also checked the website of an Episcopal parish I once attended and could find no information about baptism there either, but again, I know that they practice baptism.

That’s a good point. In fact, Baptist churches are just as autonomous (maybe more so) as UCC member congregations, and all Baptist churches baptize and observe the Lord’s Supper and read the Bible and do other stuff that you’d expect churches to do.

 

[4Squarebaby]

ltwin:

Quote:

Originally Posted by livingwordunity

Because baptism is supposed to be central to the Christian faith. Catholic parish websites typically talk about baptism because it’s something that is vitally important to us Catholics. To see the purpose of why baptism should be on a church website here’s an example:

I don’t see anything wrong with that. It can be helpful. However, if I’m going to a church it should not be that difficult to get information on baptism at the church. And if someone is so disinterested in physically taking part in my church that the only way they know what my church thinks about baptism is from the website’s FAQ page, then it may not be a good idea for my church to baptize that person or their children until they show at least a desire to be a part of the body of Christ they are interested in being baptized into.
.

From the OP’s description of Trinity’s website it does seem focused on “what sets us apart” from the church down the street, not what we have in common. And the racial politics angle seems to be their market niche

Posted from Catholic.com App for Android

 

[livingwordunity]

That’s a good point. In fact, Baptist churches are just as autonomous (maybe more so) as UCC member congregations, and all Baptist churches baptize and observe the Lord’s Supper and read the Bible and do other stuff that you’d expect churches to do.

After doing more online research, I found out that at TUCC baptism is optional.

By the way, I knew a baptist who said he was never baptized, and his pastor told him that it wasn’t necessary.

.

 

[ltwin]

After doing more online research, I found out that at TUCC baptism is optional.

By the way, I knew a baptist who said he was never baptized, and his pastor told him that it wasn’t necessary.

.

Well Baptists don’t believe it is salvific, so I guess it would be “unnecessary” in that sense of the word. However, all Baptist churches baptize (why would you even call yourself a “Baptist” if you didn’t baptize new converts???), just like all UCC churches baptize. It may be optional to varying degrees, but all of these churches offer the opportunity to be baptized.

 

[hn160]

The UCC actually means Unitarian Considering Christ. The United Chuch of Christ is so far left, it is almost not Christian. For example their stance on abortion:
After the Supreme Court decision in 1972, Roe v. Wade, which legalized abortion in the U.S., the UCC has joined with other faith groups to protect women’s equal and fair access to abortion and family planning which have been under attack consistently.* The strategies of those seeking to overturn Roe have shifted to state legislations.* In 2010, 2011 and 2012, we have seen an unprecedented number of state laws introduced and passed which restrict women’s health options.

The Guttmacher Institute provides state by state information on the status of current legislation.

In December 2011, Ohio Conference Minister, Rev. Bob Molsberry, and UCC minister Rev. Dr. Leslie Taylor, testified before an Ohio state senate committee considering a bill that would prohibit abortion after a fetal heartbeat was detectable. It is highly likely that there will be a state ballot initiative on this issue in November 2012 in Ohio.* UCC member and Executive Director of NARAL Pro-Choice Ohio, Kellie Copeland, also testified at the hearing.* All three statements provide information and perspecitve on why the United Church of Christ supports reproductive justice.

 

[livingwordunity]

Well Baptists don’t believe it is salvific, so I guess it would be “unnecessary” in that sense of the word. However, all Baptist churches baptize (why would you even call yourself a “Baptist” if you didn’t baptize new converts???), just like all UCC churches baptize. It may be optional to varying degrees, but all of these churches offer the opportunity to be baptized.

The guy I knew and worked with called himself a Baptist. He was never baptized and had no intention to ever get baptized because his pastor told him he didn’t have to. But they probably make sure to re-baptize the fallen away Catholics that want to join them.

 

[4Squarebaby]

livingwordunity:

Quote:

Originally Posted by ltwin

Well Baptists don’t believe it is salvific, so I guess it would be “unnecessary” in that sense of the word. However, all Baptist churches baptize (why would you even call yourself a “Baptist” if you didn’t baptize new converts???), just like all UCC churches baptize. It may be optional to varying degrees, but all of these churches offer the opportunity to be baptized.

The guy I knew and worked with called himself a Baptist. He was never baptized and had no intention to ever get baptized because his pastor told him he didn’t have to. But they probably make sure to re-baptize the fallen away Catholics that want to join them.

Chances are great that while he self identifies as Baptist he is not a voting member of a local church. I think most Baptist organizations are not open communions so he would not share in communion either

Posted from Catholic.com App for Android

 

[gh4]

I was raised in the United Church of Christ. Back then they baptized infants. My oldest son was baptized in that church. They required baptism for anyone who wanted to be confirmed in that church, I know this as I was confirmed in the UCC at age 16. When I belonged to that church, I know that baptisms were not done during the Sunday service, but at another time during the day or week.

I have a friend who is gay (celibate) who is going to seminary to become a pastor in the UCC. The UCC has changed A LOT since I was a member many years ago.

 

[ltwin]

The guy I knew and worked with called himself a Baptist. He was never baptized and had no intention to ever get baptized because his pastor told him he didn’t have to. But they probably make sure to re-baptize the fallen away Catholics that want to join them.

Sounds fishy to me. The Baptists I know do make a point to be baptized (believer’s baptism by immersion, which would be why Catholic converts would need to be baptized).

 

[livingwordunity]

Chances are great that while he self identifies as Baptist he is not a voting member of a local church. I think most Baptist organizations are not open communions so he would not share in communion either

Let me emphasis that his Baptist pastor is the one who told him that he doesn’t ever need to be baptized.