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Appendix D-9: Provision of the Sacrament of Baptism

(Adopted by General Assembly 1995)

1)     The General Assembly affirms that Ministers of Word and Sacrament of the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand, being bound by the Formula, are obliged to provide for the baptism of people both as children and on personal confession of faith and the Assembly reaffirms the responsibility of Sessions/Parish Councils and Presbyteries/Union District Councils to ensure that baptism is properly provided for in every congregation.

2)     The Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand affirms the one baptism of Christ in the Church, and includes within its membership and ordained ministry, persons whose convictions are that infant baptism is in harmony with the mind of Christ, and those whose convictions are that baptism can only be appropriately administered on personal confession of faith. The Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand honours both convictions, and both forms of baptism are understood to be used by God in the upbuilding of faith. Both forms are to be available in the life of every congregation of the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand. No one practice or mode of baptism will be enforced on either ministers or people contrary to their conscience.

(see also Appendix E-5A for regulations)