Archbishop performs open-air Easter Baptisms

Archbishop performs Easter Baptisms

Eleven people were baptised outside the West End of York Minster by being totally immersed in a large tank of water.

Among the people being baptised were Caitlin Armstrong and Dr Evans Muluka.

Caitlin Armstrong is a member of St Philip and St James Church, Clifton. She said, "I'd like to get baptised because I am sure of my faith in God, and Easter seemed like an excellent opportunity to do it."

Easter Baptisms

Dr Evans Muluka is a member of York Elim Pentecostal Church and a Consultant Psychiatrist. He said, "Since my commitment to Christ as my personal saviour in 2008, I feel I should be publicly baptised to show that I am born again."

Before the Baptisms, singers entertained the crowds, and afterward a team from Teen Challenge performed. Teen Challenge help young people with drug and alcohol addictions, and the group performing have completed the Teen Challenge rehabilitation programme, and want to share their message of hope through music, video, and their life stories.

The service of baptism was organised by One Voice York, a network of Christian churches and leaders of different denominations working together across the city.

The Archbishop of York, along with their own church leader, baptised all eleven people. Joint Chair of One Voice York, Graham Hutchinson asked each person and all those watching to affirm their faith before the baptisms.