The Committee recommends concurrence as amended as follows:
Amend ¶ 439.1:
b) ...the responsibilities of the parent(s) and the sponsor(s) for the Christian training for the baptized child, and how these obligations may be properly discharged. (See ¶ 224.)
c) To encourage reaffirmation of the baptismal covenant and renewal
of baptismal vows at different stages of life. The sacrament of baptism
may not be repeated. The practice of re-baptism does not conform with
God's action in baptism and is not consistent with Wesleyan tradition and the
historic teaching of the church. Therefore, the pastor should counsel any
person seeking re-baptism to participate in a rite of re-affirmation of
baptismal vows.
MINORITY REPORT
Whereas there is pastoral confusion in some segments of the United Methodist Church on the issue of rebaptism;
and, whereas, the doctrine of our church unequivocally affirms only one baptism;
Therefore, be it resolved that ¶ 439.1.c shall be worded as originally proposed by the General Board of Discipleship (DCA, Vol. I, p. 1058, Petition #21457).
Charles W. Brockwell, Jr.
J. Philip Wogaman
Duane V. Sarazin
Shirley D. Beyers
Robert E. Stillwell
Chester Jones
Valerie W. Stultz
Penelope V. Eberhart
Malone Dodson
Ward Jackson
General Conference Webmaster: Susan Brumbaugh
PETS Creator: John Brawn
Calendar Item Text: 420-439.01-MR1996 United Methodist General Conference