Volume 23 Autumn 1990

Editorial

The Editor

The forthcoming Book of Common Order and the possibility that a body of collects for the Celtic saints would be included [in the end, this was not pursued]. Some practical matters in relation to the Advent wreath.

Holy Baptism: The Rite of Initiation

Colin R Williamson

The treatment of the theme is in nine main sections: 1. The scope of the sacrament, 2. The substance of the sacrament, 3. Early practice, 4. The development of Confirmation as a separate rite, 5. Reformed practice, 6. Development since the Reformation, 7. Practical considerations (place in the service, who should be present in the baptism of an infant, the baptism itself, pastoral considerations), 8. Proof of baptism, 9. Looking to the future.