Additional Baptism Texts in Accessible Language

Can be found on Amazon

Back in 2012 I considered the Additional Eucharistic Prayers and many of the failings that I found with that set of additional provision can also be applied to this provision for Baptism. The fundamental issue once again is that if you accept the need for alternative provision then what is offered here fails to provide a significantly difference from what was already on offer.

There is a need for greater boldness in revision if we believe there is a need at all, but the consequences of the need to pass through the Church of England's Synodical mechanisms is liturgy that is lack-lustre.

One feature of this booklet is that pleasing is that most of the rubrics are marked up as mandatory – I am a great believer in the importance of careful attention to rubrics – the only downside is that here, as is generally the case with Common Worship, the content of these “mandatory” rubric is entirely permissive – such as saying that “this or another suitable prayer may be said”, so you can say nothing, or say anything that happens to seem suitable to you.

It is also a worry that the notes on the use of the alternative text refer in a number of places to things which “a sensitive priest” will do. We have all met plenty of insensitive priests but who is meant to tell such insensitive priests that they are best sticking with the standard provisions as they lack the skill or the wit in order to make effective use of these alternative provisions?

Of the specifics of the alternative provision I think one particular loss is that both the alternative prayers over the water miss out references to creation – where rich and accessible imagery could have been included, imagery that would appeal beyond the Christian tradition.

Of the two prayers that are given – the first, with references to passing through the Red Sea and Jesus passing “through the deep waters of death”, seems to have little to commend it, especially in the context of trying to engage those with little knowledge of Biblical narratives. I find it difficult to imagine anyone using this instead of the second offering which makes a direct connection between Jesus' own baptism, his commission to baptise others, and the action that is about to happen.