LONDON, July 23 (UPI) -- The Church of England, in a gesture to the realities of modern British life, has adopted a liturgy combining marriage and baptism.
During a single service, parents would first celebrate their marriage and then present their children for baptism, The Times of London reported Thursday. The liturgy would even allow for baptism for one or both of the parents.
The church decided to adopt the new liturgy after researchers found that many of the couples seeking church weddings already have children. About 44 percent of children in Britain are now born to unmarried couples.
"It is a pity they have not put in a funeral for grandma as well," said the Right Rev. John Broadhurst, Bishop of Fulham. "What are they playing at? It seems trendy, and it reveals a complete lack of awareness of the reality of what goes on in parishes. I do not understand why they want to do it."
Other critics suggested baptisms should be performed during regular Sunday services, allowing the entire congregation to welcome the newly baptized into the church.
