Presbyterian baptism for child of atheist/agnostic parents

[Anonymous]

My 10 year old attends Sunday school and church with a relative. The minister offered to baptize her, but wanted to speak to one of us first. I'm slightly worried about offending her by telling her I'm an atheist. The relative assures me that her father and I won't be asked to make any religious commitments for her to be baptized.

I'm happy to attend the baptism and support my child in whatever religion she chooses to follow. The church is very progressive, with female ministers and moderate teachings.

Does anyone have any advice to share about a Presbyterian baptism?

[Anonymous]

I was raised as a Presbyterian, although I am no longer an adherent of a particular religion. The Presbyterian Church encourages infant baptism, but interestingly, a lot of the rank and file don't baptize their children as infants.

I was baptized when I "joined the church" at 13. Joining the church (some churches now call it confirmation, as do other Protestant denominations) involves taking a class on the doctrines of the faith, meeting with members of "The Session ( the elected officers of the church), and declaring one's faith. At that point, you become a voting member of the church. It's a democratic organization, so there are no bishops etc. Rather, there is a hierarchy of governing bodies made up of elected representatives (the presbytery, the synod, the General Assembly) which make decisions about church policy.

You could conceivably ask your daughter to wait until she is old enough to take the class, so that she really understands what she is getting herself into.

[Anonymous]

That is very helpful. Thanks, PP!