Baptism by immersion has always been a foundational ordinance in Mormonism, signifying spiritual rebirth and the start of a new life dedicated to God. Reform Mormonism embraces the spiritual reality symbolized by baptism but does not take a legalistic approach to the ordinance itself. While spiritual rebirth, a personal covenant with God, and following the guidance of the Spirit are believed to be essential to one’s Eternal Progression, no one is required to be immersed in water by a particular person holding a particular ecclesiastical office, saying specific words. For Reform Mormons, all ordinances are human expressions of spiritual realities created to convey profound meaning and mark and celebrate turning points in life; ordinances are never legalistic demands from God, in which every aspect must be performed precisely.
Baptism in Reform Mormonism is a joyous event – a celebration of a person’s decision to “change directions” and “reorient” their life (which are the Hebrew and Greek definitions of the word “repent.”) Such a decision is made after realizing that one has “missed the mark” and “fallen short” of their ideals (the definitions of “sin” in Hebrew and Greek.)
Reaching this point in life requires a certain amount of maturity and understanding, so, following Mormon tradition, infants and children younger than age eight are not baptized. In some Mormon denominations, it has become common for children to be baptized on their eighth birthday, but this is usually grounded in a more legalistic view of baptism. In Reform Mormonism, deciding when, where, and even if one will be baptized is left up to the individual, and choosing not to be baptized in no way inhibits one’s spiritual growth and Eternal Progression or diminishes one’s standing among Reform Mormons.
Likewise, if one decided to be baptized before converting to Reform Mormonism, that ordinance is accepted as legitimate. A person can choose to be baptized again if they like, but rebaptism is never a requirement or an expectation.
Who Performs a Reform Mormon Baptism?
Any Reform Mormon, regardless of sex or gender, can officiate and perform a baptism. The officiant need not hold any particular office or position. Reform Mormons believe that every human being has a divine connection to God and, when acting upon principles of righteousness, can access the powers of heaven, which are referred to as Priesthood. (See Appendix 1) This is why, in the ordinance as laid out below, the officiant, before performing the baptism, prays for the outpouring of God’s Spirit. (This evoking of the Divine presence is modeled after the baptism ordinance found in Mosiah 18:12)
The Priesthood Officiant performing the baptism should be chosen by the person being baptized (the Baptism Candidate). What is most important is that the experience be meaningful for both.
The Location for a Reform Mormon Baptism
A Reform Mormon baptism can be performed at any location with sufficient water for immersion: a public or private swimming pool, hot tub, river, pond, beach, etc. A church, temple, religious edifice, or house of worship are never required. The baptism Candidate should choose a location that will make the experience more personally meaningful.
Attendance at a Reform Mormon Baptism
Baptism candidates should decide who to invite to their baptism. No particular people are required to attend other than those whom the candidate wants to ask. The important thing is that the candidate feels the love and support of those invited, regardless of their religious affiliation or lack thereof.
Before entering the water with the Priesthood Officiant, the Baptism Candidate may speak and/or invite guests to share a message, a reading, a song, or a musical performance. Such things should always be the candidate’s decision. No set program is required, and the Candidate can always decide to simply proceed to the baptism once guests have arrived. The important thing is that the experience is meaningful for the Candidate.
A Reform Mormon Ordinance of Baptism
Before entering the water, the Officiant addresses the Candidate by their full name and then reads or recites the following question:
“Do you desire to come into the fold of God,
and be called one of (His/Her/Their) people?
Do you covenant to bear the burdens of others,
that they may be light;
To mourn with those who mourn,
Comfort those who stand in need of comfort,
And to live so as to bear witness of God
At all times, in all things, and in all places,
All the days of your life?”
The Candidate answers: “I do.”
Both then go into the water, where the candidate takes hold of the officiant’s left wrist with his/her left hand. The Priesthood Officiant bows her/his head and reads or recites the following prayer:
“O God, pour out your Spirit upon your servant,
that this work may be done with holiness of heart.
Amen.”
The Priesthood Officiant then raises her/his right arm to the square, addresses the Candidate by their full name, and then says:
“Having authority from God, I baptize you
As a witness of your Covenant
To serve God all the days of your life;
May the Holy Spirit be poured Abundantly upon you.
Amen.”
The Candidate holds their nose with their right hand (for convenience), and the Officiant’s right hand is placed on the Candidate’s back. The Officiant then immerses the candidate completely, including clothing, and then lifts the newly baptized person back to a standing position. (Immersion and standing back up will be easier if the Candidate bends his/her knees).
Optional Wordings
Instead of using the wording supplied above (adapted from the baptism account found in Mosiah 18:8-13), the Candidate is free to have the Officiant use optional wordings, such as one of the following more traditional wordings below.
After both have entered the water and taken their positions, the Officiant addresses the candidate by their full name and says:
“Having authority given me of Jesus Christ,
I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
Amen.”
(III Nephi 11:25)
Or
“Having been commissioned of Jesus Christ,
I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
Amen.”
(Doctrine & Covenants 2:24, first edition, 1835)