| Baptism on the beach |
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Easter Day saw the beach at Peel on the Isle of Man filled with around two thousand Christians who had come together for the baptism of some 25 new adult believers. 
As the sun shone, the hardy Bishop Robert Paterson, who suggested the idea, entered the waters to assist with each baptism performed by the candidates’ own church leader. Backed by every denomination on the island – Church of England, Baptist, Roman Catholic, Elim, Methodist, URC and Salvation Army – Christians from all the churches took part in a time of worship as those who had recently found faith in Jesus expressed their desire to follow him. One baby was baptised, the daughter of a woman who herself had come to faith and was baptised that day. Baptism for Christians is symbolic of dying to sin and rising to life in Christ. One minister described the atmosphere as ‘electric’ – a great sense of joy and celebration. The service also offered an opportunity for people to recommit their lives to Christ, and to receive the sign of the cross in sea water as they stood at the water’s edge.  This memorable day was talked about all around the island for weeks after giving many an opening to talk of their faith. It is hoped that the event will become a new ‘tradition’ on the island. |
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