As Christians, we believe in “one Lord, one faith, one baptism” (Ephesians 4:5). For many Christians, baptism is the foundation of one’s identity in Christ and of belonging to the Body of Christ (that is, the Church throughout the world). During the ecumenical movement of the latter half of the 20th century, Christians began to seriously consider the implications of this, particularly as different churches wrestled with mutual recognition of one another’s baptisms. Together, Christians grappled with this question in the hope that, despite our diverse practices and beliefs around baptism, we could find common ground. In the Canadian context, the Commission on Faith and Witness (CFW) of The Canadian Council of Churches discussed this topic between 1986-1991. One result of the CFW’s work was the resource Initiation into Christ: Common Teaching and Ecumenical Reflections on Preparation for Baptism (1991). 

Initiation into Christ provides a more detailed background on these ecumenical conversations and their fruits. Additionally, it identifies common elements of Scripture, experience, and theology which are relevant for those considering baptism. Each section of this resource also has discussion questions with which readers and small groups can engage. Finally, this resource offers brief statements from members of the CFW containing distinct perspectives from their church traditions. 

This resource may be used: 

• With those considering baptism for themselves or for their children, or those making a personal profession of faith; 

• For post-baptismal catechesis or Christian education; 

• With persons preparing for confirmation, renewal of their baptismal vows, marriage, or similar life events; 

• As a resource for ecumenical dialogue, particularly on the topics of baptism and initiation into the Body of Christ; 

• In study groups – for example, for studies on Christian identity, ecumenism, or for Lent; 

• By Christian communities seeking to promote mutual support between their members for continual growth into one’s baptism/identity in Christ; 

• By individuals or groups wishing to obtain a broader sense of baptism beyond their local or denominational context; 

• As ‘a refresher’ for those who are returning to life in Christian community after not belonging to a church or a worshipping community for a period of time; 

• As an introduction for those who are interested in Christianity, but have had limited or no contact with the Christian faith; 

• As a resource for teachers at the secondary or post-secondary level. 

Please note that this resource was published in 1991. While it is an excellent resource for foundations on this topic, it does not necessarily reflect all the faith-filled conversations and developments that have happened around baptism in Christian communities and ecumenically over the past few decades. Some of the language used in this document may also be dated.