Church Guide
Baptism and Christening: A Guide for Parents
Same rite, two everyday names. The differences that matter are which church you ask, and whether the tradition baptises infants.
Quick answer
Church Near Me explains UK christenings and baptisms: they are the same rite. Church of England parishes routinely welcome families who do not attend weekly; Catholic practice expects a Catholic parent and an intention to raise the child in the faith. Baptist churches usually baptise believers, not infants, and offer a thanksgiving instead. Contact the parish before you print invitations.
Church Near Me editorial · Published 29 May 2026 · Updated 13 August 2026 Desk-researched from parish, diocesan and denominational publications. Where a time or fee is stated, the source and check date are named. Confirm with the parish before travelling.
Is a christening the same as a baptism?
Yes. Christening is the UK household word; baptism is the church’s word. Both use water in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. If a minister says “baptism” on the phone, they are not correcting your manners — they are using the formal name.
Should you have your baby christened if you do not go to church?
You can ask. Church of England clergy baptise children of parishioners as part of the parish’s public ministry; they will still want a meeting so you know what the promises mean. Skip a Catholic infant baptism if neither parent is Catholic and you cannot honestly intend a Catholic upbringing — the priest will say so kindly, and a blessing or thanksgiving may be the honest alternative.
Skip this path entirely if what you want is only a venue and photographs. Baptism is a rite of initiation, not a naming party with a historic backdrop.
How do denominations treat infant baptism?
Catholic, Anglican, Methodist and Orthodox churches baptise infants as the norm. Baptist and many independent evangelical churches wait until the person can profess faith, and they will usually offer a thanksgiving or dedication for a baby instead. Mixing those two models in one family is common — talk to both ministers before you announce a date.
| Tradition | Infants? | Typical next step |
|---|---|---|
| Church of England | Yes | Meet the vicar; godparents; often in Sunday worship |
| Roman Catholic | Yes | Parish priest; at least one Catholic godparent |
| Methodist | Yes, also believers | Minister; supporting friends common |
| Baptist | No (believers) | Thanksgiving for a baby; baptism later |
| Orthodox | Yes, with chrismation | Parish priest; longer liturgy |
How do you arrange it?
Contact the church first, then choose godparents, then pick a date. Reverse that order and you will reprint invitations. Use the directory to find the parish, then write to them — we do not book christenings on this site.
- — Contact the church. Your parish, or the parish you have a real connection to. Say you would like a baptism and ask what they need from you.
- — Meet the minister. A short preparation meeting is normal. Ask what the promises mean rather than pretending you already know.
- — Choose godparents. People who will still be in the child’s life in ten years. Confirm the tradition’s rules before you ask them.
- — The ceremony. Often inside Sunday worship. Water, promises, register, certificate. Photography rules vary — ask.
Common questions
What is the difference between a baptism and a christening?
They refer to the same ceremony. Christening is the everyday UK word, usually for an infant who is also named. Baptism is the theological term used in Scripture and across denominations.
Do we need to be churchgoers to have a baby christened?
In the Church of England, families who do not attend weekly are routinely welcomed; the vicar will still want to meet you. The Catholic Church normally asks that at least one parent is Catholic and that you intend to raise the child in the faith.
Does it have to be our parish church?
Church of England christenings usually happen in the parish where the child lives, though many vicars will help with a genuine family connection. Catholic christenings are normally in the family’s own parish.
Do we need godparents?
Church of England custom is at least three godparents, who should themselves be baptised (confirmation is expected unless the minister agrees otherwise). Catholic practice requires at least one Catholic godparent. Methodist and Baptist churches often use supporting friends rather than the same legal-theological role.
How long after birth should a baby be christened?
There is no deadline. Many families choose the first year; older children and adults can be baptised too. Baptist churches typically wait until the person can profess faith themselves and offer a thanksgiving for a baby instead.
What happens in the service?
Usually during Sunday worship. Parents and godparents make promises; water is poured (or the person is immersed) in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit; a candle is often lit. The child’s name is entered in the baptism register.