The Bishop of Beverley, the Rt Revd Glyn Webster, will be baptising Christians from different denominations on the Saturday before Easter, 26 March 2016. Around 10 people from different churches across York will be baptised outside the West End of York Minster by being totally immersed in a large tank of water from 2.30pm onwards.
This Service of Baptism marks the tenth anniversary of Easter baptisms which are organised by One Voice York, a network of Christian churches and leaders of different denominations working together across the city.
Chair of One Voice York, Graham Hutchinson said, “Although different churches have different styles and emphasise different parts of faith, the Christian church in York is known far and wide for how well they work together. We are all part of the one family of Jesus Christ. Baptism is hugely important to a Christian: it is when they commit to following Jesus for the rest of their lives. These Easter baptisms are always a highlight of my year, as Christians from different denominations come together to welcome new believers in the family of God”.
Candidates will be baptised by the Bishop of Beverley and their own church leader. Joint Chair of One Voice York, Graham Hutchinson, will ask each person and all those watching to affirm their faith before the baptisms. When the candidates come out of the water they will be prayed for by all the church leaders.
Bishop Glyn said, “This will be the first time that I have had the privilege of baptising individuals outside in the heart of the city in nearly 39 years of ministry. Many years ago as the Vicar of St Luke’s at Burton Stone Lane, I baptised adults in St John’s swimming baths, and I’ve baptised people in the sea and in rivers before but to be baptised on Holy Saturday is really special and significant. It brings together Christ’s death and burial with his resurrection. I am always reminded of the hymn Hallelujah My Father, where we sing together ‘in His death is my birth, in His life is my life’. Come and join us in prayer and worship outside York Minster this weekend”.
The Archbishop of York will be journeying through East Hull on his Pilgrimage across the Diocese of York in this week leading up to Easter Sunday. For opportunities to walk, to pray and to share in the Archbishop’s Pilgrimage of Prayer, Witness and Blessing, please visit: pilgrimage.archbishopofyork.org