Most Episcopalian Churches are about as liberal as it gets, and are especially respectful of different views. Baptism is seen as symbolic, rather than how the Anabaptists see it. The child is too young to make any religious commitment, so this is a ceremony between the congregants (the people in the pews) and God to watch over the child as one in the ?flock.? The Anabaptist's baptismal belief of ?Accepting Christ? is not fulfilled for Episcopalians until the child is old enough and does so, but since they have the ritual/symbolic part over with, they don?t have to do it again. Even if you don?t believe a word of it, the symbolism and ceremony are very nice IMHO. Again, notice that the ceremony is for the people in the church, the friends of the family and church members to make a public pledge to be responsible for the nurture of the child being baptized.
The order of service can be found here, just scroll down to ?Holy Baptism? and click on either the Word, PDF, or Richtext:
http://justus.anglican.org/resources/bcp/formatted_1979.htm
Basically, it will go like this:
Parents and Godparents: ?I present BABY?S NAME. to receive the Sacrament of Baptism.?
Celebrant (Priest): ?Will you be responsible for seeing that the child you present
is brought up in the Christian faith and life??
Parents and Godparents: ?I will, with God's help.?
Celebrant: ?Will you by your prayers and witness help this child to grow
into the full stature of Christ??
Parents and Godparents: ?I will, with God's help.?
etc...
Then, finally
Each candidate is presented by name to the Celebrant, or to an assisting priest or
deacon, who then immerses, or pours water upon, the candidate, saying
N., I baptize you in the Name of the Father, and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
When this action has been completed for all candidates, the Bishop or Priest, at a place
in full sight of the congregation, prays over them, saying
Let us pray.
Heavenly Father, we thank you that by water and the Holy
Spirit you have bestowed upon these your servants the
forgiveness of sin, and have raised them to the new life of
grace. Sustain them, O Lord, in your Holy Spirit. Give them
an inquiring and discerning heart, the courage to will and to
persevere, a spirit to know and to love you, and the gift of joy
and wonder in all your works. Amen.
