Is Baptism Necessary for an RLDS Converting?

[KatieD]

I have a friend who was raised Reorganized Latter Day Saints and who is now considering converting to Catholicism. I know the Catholic Church doesn’t consider Mormon baptism valid, but I’m not sure how to answer his question regarding RLDS baptism. Their beliefs on the Holy Trinity are quite different from those of the Mormons, and I’m not sure if he would need baptism if converting. Does anyone out there know the answer to this question? Thanks!

 

[asquared]

your diocese will have a list of various denominations, what their baptismal rites or beliefs consist of, and a determination on whether the baptism is valid. the pastor who is directing RCIA should be the one to make this judgement.

 

[chotock]

as far as I can remember, and tatis questionable these days. the form of baptism by the Community of Christ (new name for the RLDS) is immersion with a reading from the Gospels about Christ’s baptism. there i not secific ceremony. I will check when I am in Independence tomorrow, should be easy to find out in their World Headquarters.

 

[palmas85]

I have a friend who was raised Reorganized Latter Day Saints and who is now considering converting to Catholicism. I know the Catholic Church doesn’t consider Mormon baptism valid, but I’m not sure how to answer his question regarding RLDS baptism. Their beliefs on the Holy Trinity are quite different from those of the Mormons, and I’m not sure if he would need baptism if converting. Does anyone out there know the answer to this question? Thanks!

From everything I have been able to find out, they reject the doctrine of the Triune God as Catholics and other Christians understand it. Since they don’t accept the trinitarian formula or even the Trinity itself as we understand it, it would appear to me that their baptisms are not Christian, not valid, and – to answer your question – I believe your friend would have to be baptized into the Catholic Church.

 

[Kielbasi]

The marriage tribunal office of your diocese would definitely have the answer to your query.

Whether or not one of the party’s were validly baptized is critical to determine whether or not the marriage they entered was sacramental.

 

[KatieD]

I appreciate your responses! Thank you all for any information you have. The Community of Christ is a lot smaller than the Mormons, and their beliefs seem to cross over each other - both using Book of Mormon, etc. (although I do know Community of Christ definitely wants to distance itself from Mormonism). My friend hasn’t definitely decided to convert, but he seems to be moving in that direction and is eager to learn a lot about our Church. Please keep him in your prayers!