lauren-kate

As title says, I don't really want to get Ryan christened... but his Dad does. All of their family have been christened and there's even a family christening gown - when a baby is christened in it, their name is embroidered into it (which I do think is a lovely idea). But none of our families are particularly religious, and I'd rather Ryan had the chance to decide for himself when he is old enough to make that decision. If we're not religious, why should we get him christened? Is it not just an excuse for a party in this case? Would it be unreasonable to really insist on not getting him christened, and have some kind of naming ceremony instead? x

xarlenex

Im having this debate with myself too. But im thinking...You can be christened and still decide later on if he wishes to further his catholic religion. My local primary, St Stephans, take anyone of any religion. And when there if you dont wish them to go through confessions, communions etc its fine.

So im thinking thats my best root. My partner isnt fussed as hes never followed a religion. I did when I was younger, because its all I knew, but as I got older I drifted away myself. But id like Kyle to make his own choice x

missjess

My OH's family are very religious and you should have seen the look on my MIL's face when I said Josh will not be christened!!!!!

It's your decision hun. You're not being unreasonable at all. If you aren't religious there is no point christening your son. People should respect that.

Wobbles

Our familes have different religous beliefs and therefore we would not consider it. I was christened and my family seem sad I have decided that no Caitlin is not to be but end of day I don't go to church?!

I want a naming ceromony too but OH has totally fobbed the idea off as silly so I haven't pushed it

Helen

We've not had ours christened. Thankfully it's not been an issue with either family as neither are particularly religious. I'd be happy for them both to decide at a later date themselves as I see religion as a very personal thing. I don't think you're being unreasonable to refuse. Will your DH support you in the naming ceremony idea as an alternative?

lauren-kate

(We're not together) He's the one that suggested the christening, and he mentioned something the other day that makes me think that he thinks I've agreed to it.. which I haven't. His family have always been pro the christening idea (the gown is kind of a family heirloom/tradition so I do feel a bit bad about that). I'm not sure how he'd feel about some kind of naming ceremony instead - shall mention it when he brings up the christening conversation again. x

~KACI~

My two haven't been christened,OH's mum has asked when i shall get them christened and wants them to be done in York because apparently you can just walk in get it done. OH doesn't mind the idea- I HATE IT!! I don't go to church and neither does OH. I think my children have the right to choose and its hypocritical to get them christened and make vows to god - and then never go again!! If they decide when there older then its fine by me x x

~KACI~

Btw i would suggest the naming idea, if he doesn't like it then fair enough but you comprimised (sp) so that or nothing, don't be pressured by family traditions to something that your not happy with, at the end of the day he's your son x x

lauren-kate

That's exactly my viewpoint on the whole thing. x

TashaAndBump

If you are not religious and do not agree with infant christening for the reasons of wanting them to make their own decisions (as christening your baby is comitting to raising them into the christian faith, and bringing them up to be a christian) then it is not unreasonable to refrain from christening Ryan.

Try explaining to your OH that if, when Ryan is older, he wants to be a christian, he can get baptised and confirmed at once then (when he is old enough to understand and make the public declaration of faith that imo baptism should be about...). For now, why not have a naming ceremony and have him wear the gown for that?

Try to meet half way if you get what I'm saying. If you absolutely disagree with christening babies, and it would just be for a party - stick to your guns - You're doing the right thing for you and your bubs!