Initiation As the parents Anglican / Episcopal 6 min read

Anglican baptism as the parents

What Anglican and Episcopal parents typically prepare for and experience when bringing a child to baptism, across TEC and ACNA practice.

01 Before scheduling the baptism

An Anglican or Episcopal baptism is celebrated according to the Book of Common Prayer rite of Holy Baptism. The Episcopal Church (TEC) uses the 1979 BCP; the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA), formed in 2009, uses the 2019 BCP. Both prayer books frame baptism as full incorporation into the Body of Christ, and as a sacrament not normally repeated.

The 1979 BCP specifies that baptism is normally celebrated at the principal Sunday Eucharist and at certain feast days, particularly the Easter Vigil, Pentecost, All Saints' Day, and the Baptism of Our Lord. Many TEC parishes schedule baptisms only on these feast days, with several candidates baptized together; ACNA practice varies by diocese.

02 Preparation with the priest

Anglican and Episcopal baptism preparation is typically lighter than its Catholic equivalent: a meeting or two with the priest, covering the meaning of baptism, the parents' responsibilities to raise the child in the Christian faith and life, and the practical logistics of the day. Some larger parishes hold a structured preparation class; many do not.

Where one parent is not Christian, the priest will normally have a pastoral conversation about the child's upbringing. The 1979 BCP requires that the parents and godparents undertake to bring up the child in the Christian faith and life; how this is verified pastorally varies by parish.

03 Selecting godparents

The 1979 BCP requires that godparents (called "sponsors") be baptized Christians who are themselves responsible adults. Baptized non-Anglican Christians may serve as godparents. ACNA practice is similar. Two or three sponsors is typical; canonical specifics vary by diocese.

Unlike Catholic practice, Anglican / Episcopal godparents are not required to have been confirmed; baptism is the principal eligibility requirement. Most parishes request that the godparents be active in the Christian faith and capable of supporting the child's Christian upbringing.

04 The day of the baptism

The baptism is normally celebrated at the principal Sunday Eucharist. The Liturgy of the Word proceeds as usual; the baptism follows the sermon and replaces the regular Creed (the candidates are presented, the Baptismal Covenant is renewed by the congregation along with the candidates and sponsors, and the baptism itself takes place at the font).

The 1979 BCP rite includes the Presentation and Examination of the Candidates, the Baptismal Covenant (a series of questions and answers by which the candidates and the congregation affirm the Christian faith), the Thanksgiving over the Water, and the baptism itself (typically by pouring water over the candidate's head three times while the priest pronounces "I baptize you in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit"). After the baptism, the priest may mark the newly baptized with chrism, saying "You are sealed by the Holy Spirit in Baptism and marked as Christ's own for ever."

The Liturgy of the Eucharist then proceeds; the newly baptized (or their parents and godparents on their behalf if they are too young to communicate themselves) participate in the Eucharist.

05 After the baptism

The baptism is recorded in the parish register; the parish issues a baptismal certificate. The baptismal cycle then continues into the child's Christian upbringing, with confirmation (in TEC and ACNA practice) typically following in the teen years.

Many families celebrate the baptism with a reception; the parish may host a coffee hour after the service, and a private family meal is common.

06 Common questions

When is an Anglican or Episcopal baptism typically celebrated?
The 1979 BCP specifies that baptism is "especially appropriate" at the Easter Vigil, Pentecost, All Saints’ Day (or the Sunday after), and the feast of the Baptism of Our Lord (the first Sunday after Epiphany). Many TEC parishes schedule baptisms only on these feast days. ACNA practice is similar though varies by diocese. The parish is the source for the local pattern.
Who can be a godparent?
The 1979 BCP requires that godparents (called "sponsors") be baptized Christians who are themselves "responsible adults"; baptized non-Anglican Christians may serve as godparents. ACNA practice is similar. Two or three sponsors is typical; canonical specifics vary by diocese. Unlike Catholic practice, Anglican / Episcopal godparents are not required to have been confirmed.
What if one of the parents is not Christian?
The 1979 BCP requires that "at least one of the parents must be present" and that parents and godparents undertake to bring up the child "in the Christian faith and life." Where one parent is not Christian, the practice varies by parish; many TEC parishes accommodate the situation pastorally. The priest at the parish is the source for what the local parish requires.
Where is the baptism celebrated?
Anglican and Episcopal baptisms are normally celebrated in the parish church. Private baptisms (at home, in the hospital, outside the church) are permitted only in cases of necessity; the 1979 BCP specifies that emergency baptism may be administered by any person.
Is baptism celebrated at a regular Sunday service?
In most TEC parishes, yes. The 1979 BCP rubric specifies that baptism is normally celebrated at the principal Sunday Eucharist so that the gathered congregation witnesses and supports the baptism. Standalone or private baptisms are uncommon. Practice in ACNA parishes is similar though varies; the parish is the source.

07 Pastoral note

Last reviewed against primary sources: May 17, 2026