who charges money for baptism?

[christianmomof3]

I was told last night that some groups charge money to baptise people.
Which groups do that and why?

 

[MamaZ]

Wow I have never heard of such a deal.. Kind of like the money changers in the temple wouldn't you think?

 

[christianmomof3]

Well, the one that I heard of was the Orthodox church in Russia.
Do the Orthodox churches anywhere else charge for baptism?
And do any other groups charge for baptism?
If so, why?

 

[Thekla]

source citation would be helpful, so we can understand what is meant by this ...

 

[Kristos]

Of course there is a nominal fee to cover paperwork etc - waived if you can't afford it.

 

[christianmomof3]

source citation would be helpful, so we can understand what is meant by this ...

I was told by a brother who was in Russia for several years that the Orthodox asked him how much it costs to be baptised because that is what they do in their church. I have no idea how much the Russian Orthodox charge for baptism or why they would charge money to baptise someone.
I don't know if this is just something that is done with that group or others too, which is why I asked who all charges money for baptism and why.
In the group that I meet with we do not charge any money to baptise anyone ever.

Of course there is a nominal fee to cover paperwork etc - waived if you can't afford it.

What paperwork is needed to baptise someone? I just thought you needed water. And what is the etc... and how much is this fee?

 

[Thekla]

I was told by a brother who was in Russia for several years that the Orthodox asked him how much it costs to be baptised because that is what they do in their church. I have no idea how much the Russian Orthodox charge for baptism or why they would charge money to baptise someone.
I don't know if this is just something that is done with that group or others too, which is why I asked who all charges money for baptism and why.
In the group that I meet with we do not charge any money to baptise anyone ever.

What paperwork is needed to baptise someone? I just thought you needed water. And what is the etc... and how much is this fee?

it is customary to offer a small gift to the priest for baptisms, house blessings, etc. (this is also the case among some protestants - my dad is a protestant minister and also received such gifts). In my experience, the money is usually refused, so I also make bread or buy fruit to offer as well. Many priests put the money in the altar fund (for those in need).

the record of each sacrament is kept at the diocese level (and also local). As far as I know, wedding certificates are a valid form of ID, and a baptismal certificate (with the birthdate recorded) is a valid birth certificate (at least until recently, perhaps things have changed).

so basically, the "fee" is for processing (wedding goes to the state as well, IIRC), but is not required. the money given to the priest is a kindness, a custom.

we've baptised 6 children in the EO (two different parishes). total cost = 0.00

edit: the cost for a birth certificate in this state is 0.00 in the last state where we lived, the cost for each birth certificate is 10.00
I don't recall the amount, but a marriage license carries a fee in at least some states. paperwork fees for filing through a Church (EO or otherwise) are, tmk, about 10.00 - often reflecting the state fee where the info is then sent. I only know this because my mom often handled such paperwork.

 

[CaliforniaJosiah]

My father is a Protestant minister....

HIS personal policy on this (I don't believe there is a denominational policy in this regard) is that there is no "fee" for Baptisms. Occasionally, people give him a gift and a "thank you" card. This he graciously accepts and donates to the "Care Fund" (a benevolent fund of the church) although he is required to report both the receipt and the giving of it for tax purposes. I recall him saying that this happened once when he made a hospital call. Someone looked in the phone book and phoned him, wanting them to visit a relative in the hospital going in for surgery. Of course, he immediately did - and the family gave him some money. It was forwarded to the Care Fund.

The same policy generally exists for functions of the church. The one exception is weddings. Dad doesn't do a lot of these, but if such includes a church member (vaguely defined, lol), then the same policy as above is made. Ironcially, the organist DOES charge, but my Dad does not. However, if neither bride or groom is in any sense affiliated with the church, then he does have a "suggested donation" (I think it's $150.00) which goes to the church - not him. I THINK the "reason" for this is because they are using the professional services of the congregation and therefore should support the church. I"m sure this would be "waved" if it could not be afforded, but since the average wedding cost is approaching $25,000 I doubt the $150.00 to the church for one of the key points is going to break their budget. Indeed, I don't think it's possible to buy a wedding dress or a ring for that cost, and likely two guests would cost that much for the reception. That's the only exception.



Thank you.


Pax


- Josiah



.

 

[seashale76]

I'm EO and that isn't the norm in my parish, nor in my jurisdiction, AFAIK. We are feeless, and my priest refuses any money unless people insist and then he puts it in the church fund. I've never had to pay or have been told to pay for anything, and I've not ever heard anyone else mention it either.

 

[Rhamiel]

I think charging a fee for baptism would be condidered simony, I know that back in the day, at least in latin america it, it was almost obligatory to give a small gift to the priest in exchange for baptism, I hope things have changed.