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Adoption of older children and baptism

MyColonyNJMyColonyNJ
in Adoption

We have baptized all of our (bio) children.  We used to go to church a lot, but now it is not as often as we would like it to be. 

Justin will be starting Sunday School in Jan.  We were never told of any religion that he practiced, nor were we told if he was ever baptized.

We are not Catholic, so it is not something that would be "required" for other sacraments in the future.

Would you have him baptized now?

We are Methodist if that matters at all

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Re: Adoption of older children and baptism

  • Dr.LorettaDr.Loretta member

    Sure! I'm assuming he goes to church with you, even if it's not as often as you used to...

    Or perhaps talk to your pastor and see how this is usually handled. Maybe they'll figure since he's older he can make his own decision now or in the near future.

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  • MyColonyNJMyColonyNJ
    imageDr.Loretta:

    Sure! I'm assuming he goes to church with you, even if it's not as often as you used to...

    Or perhaps talk to your pastor and see how this is usually handled. Maybe they'll figure since he's older he can make his own decision now or in the near future.

    yes, he goes with us when we go.  Good point about having him (possibly) make tat decision when he is older (or now)

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  • hopecountshopecounts member
    We're methodist and we had a family at church that adopted a little girl(5/6 yrs) and they had her baptized. It was sweet.
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  • CaptainSeriousCaptainSerious member
    I would.  In fact, the orphanage director was positive M was baptised in Peru, and even told us in which church it was done.  However, since we couldn't get any official documents, and he attends church with us regularly, we're going to have him baptised again in our church (we are Lutheran).  Our pastor said there's no reason we can't do it again, and this way, we can all be part of his special day.  Since we never had a larger family party/celebration for his adoption or joining the family, this will serve that purpose as well.
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  • mom2onemom2one member
    Yes! We had DS 11 baptized 2 months after his adoption was finalized (he was 10) and we had DD baptized 2 weeks after her adoption was finalized (she was/is 2). It was so meaningful for us as a family and for our church family. I highly recommend doing it!
    Stay at Home Mama to 3 Beautiful Children by the miracles of Birth & Adoption
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  • butterflygroovesbutterflygrooves member
    Yes!  We finalize this week and are having DD baptized in January, she is 4.

    Two Mommies Healing Hearts

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  • firecracker8firecracker8 member
    I am methodist too! I don't see any reason not to do it, I think that it could be a wonderful day for your family!
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  • noonecarewhoiamnoonecarewhoiam

    Personally, I would be consistent with the treatment of bio children. If they were baptized as infants, baptize him. If the others were permitted to choose at an older age, then do the same with him.

    I know a number of IA kids who were baptized in radically different faiths from their birth culture. It's possible you're overthinking.

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  • mamatojtsmamatojts
    We've had all ours dedicated, not baptized. I'm more children not being baptized until they can make the decision for themselves. I was 15 and it meant more because it was my choice.
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  • silliestbunnysilliestbunny member

    I agree w/Noonecares...

    Do what is the norm in your family.  If your others are already baptized, I'd do it.  Otherwise J will be the one child that gets to/has to make the decision as a preteen. 


    I vote for inclusion when possible and acclimation when appropriate.  Don't make J the odd man out.


    That said, I think  you are overthinking it... I don't think there's a bad approach.

    image Best friends and sisters... 24 months and 16 months
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