Baptism full body immersion - safe for elderly?

[speakout]

An elderly relative is required to do this - no other option at the church. She is 85, a little frail, very anxious about water and has very high blood pressure.
I am worried about the safety aspects. Is the water very cold? I know she will be very uptight about the process.
Any advice?

I was baptised by immersion. The water was warm bathtub warm and I was wrapped in loads of (warmed) towels the moment I stepped out of the water.

It was about waist deep and the person baptising me held me really tight so I wouldn’t slip.

That all said, it was utterly my choice and I’m not petrified of water. If she’s too nervous there is no way they should be pushing her into it. Most churches will offer an alternative as a way of declaring faith for those who are too nervous.

As a P.P said - layers. You need layers under the robes.

My main prob was we had to wear v unattractive white robes which I assumed weren't see through when wet. Big mistake. Whole church got to see my black knickers
Ha, yes. My friend also didn’t realise this and her purple bikini with ‘Hot Stuff’ written on it was there for all to see!

Elisheva OMG. They should warn you about this stuff.

Our baptistery is very warm but it can be very cold if standing around on getting out., and also very slippery.

If she goes ahead with it, she should make sure she is the last one to be done, with quick access to changing facilities. They also need to make sure there are plenty of towels on the floor to keep it dry.

The actual dunking is quite forceful, with two ministers flipping the candidate backwards into the water. If she is frail, this might be dangerous, and a full risk assessment needs to be done for her particular situation.

I don't think we've baptised anyone by full immersion that is elderly. The last 80 year old was baptised by pouring.

Ridiculous. Talk her out of it.

That's COfE. It might be done differently in the LDS.

Can no one else proxy baptise for her fanily? It’s not a religion I know much about but I know a wee bit about the practice. Any other denomination would find a way around it for s wee old lady 🙁

I was warned about the see-thru-ness.

To be honest once you’ve witnessed a few baptisms then you’re only too aware of the see-thru issues.

That’s getting off subject though.

This all sounds like stuff you/she should discuss with the church.

Every church is different so our experiences won’t necessarily be the same as hers.

I’m a bit of a lapsed Christian (seen too many horrible things done in the name of being a “good Christian”), but I feel very uncomfortable about a church pushing someone into this. For many reasons.

Mormons are very strict indeed about how baptisms take place. They have special witnesses to make sure it really is total immersion. I don't think there is any wriggle room.

I hadn't actually realised Mormons were one of the submarine sects. I'm surprised considering they baptise the dead.

OP: I would have asked if there was an alternate group she could join but Mormons are pretty idiosyncratic. You could speak to the leaders to discuss the safety aspect (as her daughter) - they may well have something in place for this.

Is it a particular relative she is concerned about? Its an unusual reason to join a church.

I have been baptized by proxy and against my will. Not sure if this means I am saved or not. So was my mother, sometime after her death. I hope there's no afterlife, because if she knew about it she would be seriously pissed off!

Fffion is that Mormon church?

I’ve been immersed in non heated water (Lourdes) and it is freezing - a real shock to the system, enough to make you lose your breath. You are fully supported at all times, naked under white sheets however it’s so cold when you come out that a nun has to put your bra on for you.

I did see them wheeling in disabled/elderly on stretchers and felt quite uncomfortable with it.

Hopefully as others posted have said, it will be warmed up.

Church of England.

Are you Mormon, OP ?

No spotted zebra- does that matter?

OK an update.

The Elders have visited this afternoon for a prayer session. Although they are insisting on full body immersion they can make it as easy as possible.
So instead of the "flip back" technique, they will allow her to use a low stool and take her time to sit down before being briefly submerged. Also taking time on standing while being supported by helpers through the process. The water will be warm and there will be warm towels afterwards.
They will be having a " dry run" on solid ground before hand.

She is feeling reassured.

Thanks.

Sounds good.

We always have a dry rehearsal before our baptisms and confirmations. They are all unique.

Fffion thanks.

Are you allowed to go to the service?

Yes, the whole thing is very flexible it seems. They do group baptisms in front of a whole congregation, small family, private, whatever suits.

I will go along to lend support.

Does she know that the Mormons are not considered Christians by mainline Protestants, Orthodox and Catholics?

Mormons claim to be Christian. However their baptism beliefs are one of many things that show they are not.

LDS are not orthodox Christians.