Perspectives on baptism subject of convocation, book

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Doctor of Ministry student Pastor Peter D. Boehringer of Lanesborough, MA, thought about a practical application to his special study of Baptism and what the rite means to Christians. What if Christian congregations in his Pittsfield, MA, community cooperated to have a common font that all the churches used to further unite the Christian faith community in witness and action? In the early planning stages, Baptist, United Methodist, United Church of Christ, Episcopal, Greek Orthodox and Roman Catholic Church leaders have been receptive to the idea and are looking for property where the font could be established.

Gordon Lathrop

In a stirring March 5 convocation address, the Rev. Dr. Gordon Lathrop, Charles Schieren Professor of Practical Theology, discussed how baptism connects Christians both locally and globally, mentioning the Pittsfield anecdote. He touched on how baptism sets the stage for life-long learning and dealing with issues of living and dying. And he noted that Baptism is a rite for opening doors and removing boundaries, empowering Christians to focus in a balanced way both on ministry where they are with a world view. His remarks, entitled "Baptismal Practice and the Global Map," introduced a chapter of a forthcoming book, A Liturgical Cosmology. The lecture is offered on the web in both text form and streaming audio.

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