Editing Infant baptism (section)

== Age ==
Infant baptism practices vary across [[Christian denomination|Christian denominations]], typically occurring within the first few weeks after birth, though some traditions perform it immediately, such as in cases of imminent death, or delay it by several months.

* In the '''Roman Catholic''' tradition, baptism is recommended within the first few weeks, or without delay if the infant is in danger of death, as outlined in the [[1983 Code of Canon Law|Code of Canon Law]] (867 §1-§2), with parents responsible for arranging the sacrament.<ref name=":02">Canon Law Society of America. (2000). New commentary on the Code of Canon Law (J. A. Coriden, J. P. Beal, & T. J. Green, Eds.). Paulist Press. p. 1054.</ref>
* The '''Eastern Orthodox Church''' baptizes infants soon after birth, granting full sacramental participation, including Communion, to affirm their spiritual dignity and incorporation into the church.<ref name=":12">Cuneo, T. (2014). Transforming the self: On the baptismal rite. ''Religious Studies, 50''(3), 279–296. <nowiki>https://www.jstor.org/stable/43658441</nowiki></ref>
* '''Lutheran churches''' view baptism as a sacrament of grace that forgives [[original sin]], citing God’s initiative and rejecting the concept of an “[[age of accountability]],” typically performing it without delay.<ref name=":23">Gassmann, G. (2001). ''Historical dictionary of Lutheranism'' (J. Woronoff, Series Ed.). Scarecrow Press. (pp. 34-35).</ref>
* In the '''Anglican tradition''', baptism, or christening, has no age restriction and signifies inclusion in the covenant community, with parents pledging to raise the child in faith until personal confirmation.<ref name=":33">{{Cite web |title=Christening FAQs |url=https://www.churchofengland.org/life-events/christenings/christening-faqs |access-date=2025-04-28 |website=The Church of England |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":4">Anglican Church in North America. (2020). To be a Christian: An Anglican catechism. Crossway. (p. 57)</ref>
* The '''Reformed tradition''', grounded in covenant theology where baptism replaces circumcision, usually administers the sacrament within the first week, as noted in the [[Westminster Confession of Faith|Westminster Confession]].<ref name=":52">Foster, D. A. (Ed.). (2004). ''The Encyclopedia of the Stone-Campbell Movement''. William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company. p. 249.</ref> 
* '''Methodists''' practice baptism at any age, and for infants, it represents prevenient grace, with the congregation and parents committing to the child’s spiritual upbringing.<ref name=":6">Benedict, D. (2009, December 9). ''What is the appropriate age for baptism and for confirmation?'' Discipleship Ministries. <nowiki>https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/what-is-the-appropriate-age-for-baptism-and-for-confirmation</nowiki></ref>