Baptism
 

The sacrament of Baptism and joining the Church

In Holy Baptism, a person is received into the universal Christian Church and the local parish. The Lutheran church baptises infants, older children and adults.

Jesus came and said to them:
"All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you.  And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Matthew 28:18-20 (NRSV)

Baptism is one of the two sacraments of the Lutheran church alongside the Eucharist. In a baptismal service, the person being baptized is marked with the sign of the cross, baptized with water and blessed by the laying on of hands.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church practises infant baptism. Parents want the very best for their child. In the Christian church, the best we can imagine is living as a child of God in His protection and care, and this is received in baptism. In baptism, a child joins God's family as God calls the child by name to be his own. Baptism also links the child with centuries-old Christian tradition.

► More information about baptism on the website of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of FinlandLinkki avautuu uudessa välilehdessä
 

Do you wish to have yourself or your child baptised?

If you wish to become a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church and your local parish if you're seeking baptism or want your child baptised, please contact your local parish. It is recommended you do this well in advance of your desired date.

A child under the age of 12 can only be baptized and taken into the Evangelical Lutheran Church if at least one of the legal guardians is a Church member. Infants are typically baptised around the age of two months, but there is no age limit. For children and young people aged 12 to 17, written permission from both the child and their guardian(s) is required, but the guardians do not need to be Church members themselves.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church does not re-administer baptisms. If a person has been baptised in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, they will not be baptised again and can join the church without baptism.

For young people and adults, baptism and entering the Evangelical Lutheran Church is always preceded by lessons on the Christian faith and the Lutheran confession. These lessons can take many forms, for example, as private lessons with a pastor or a confirmation classes.

Baptism is conducted by a pastor in a church or some other church facility, at home or another suitable location. Baptism in a church can take place during a public worship service or a separate occasion. Regardless of the manner and place, baptism is always a Christian worship service and a family occasion.