Baptism

In York City Centre, Easter 2007 celebrations were organised by One Voice York, a network of Christian churches and leaders of different denominations working together across the city.

Baptism of adults by total immersion (being bodily dipped under water) is highly symbolic of the Christian's death to their old life and re-birth in Jesus Christ, and is a particularly appropriate way to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus himself on Easter Day, three days after his execution on the cross.

The York baptisms on Easter Day included members of a number of local churches of different denominations. Archbishop Sentamu baptised all the candidates in partnership with their own church leader who was in the water with them. Joint Chair of One Voice York Graham Hutchinson asked each candidate and all those present to affirm their faith before the baptisms.

Graham Hutchinson said, "Jesus Christ was risen to new life after death on Easter Day, so Christians of all traditions in York have come together in the City Centre to celebrate that and what it means here and now. Easter is a great day to be baptised into the church of Jesus Christ for someone who has answered his call - and to make that commitment in public, in front of a crowd of supporters and witnesses. It's great that Archbishop Sentamu joined us too, because he points to the person and the love of Jesus Christ on behalf of the whole Church in the north east."