Baltimore, Md., Nov 17, 2010 / 01:06 am
The U.S. bishops voted overwhelmingly in favor of a common agreement on Baptism Nov. 16. The move has been called a “milestone” in ecumenical relations with certain Protestant groups.
During their fall assembly in Baltimore, 95 percent, or 204 bishops, voted in favor of an accord that would bring the baptismal practices of four Reformed Christian churches in union with those of the Catholic Church in the U.S.
The document, titled “Common Agreement on Mutual Recognition of Baptism,” holds that Baptism is to be performed only once in a person’s lifetime. It adds that Baptism must be performed by an authorized minister, with flowing water and the employment of the Scriptural Trinitarian formula of “Father, Son and Holy Spirit.”
Although other bishops’ conferences around the world have established similar mandates, this is the first of its kind in the U.S.