Rene Lebouvier requested that his local Catholic church
erase his name from the baptismal register
…
“Baptism is a spiritual gift, it’s bigger than we are,” said
Bernard Podvin, spokesman for the French Bishops Confederation, who would not
comment on the specifics of the Normandy case. “It can’t be confined to a
purely administrative framework.”
A dagger pierces my chest, as I read of Rene Lebouvier’s de-baptism.—Rene,
and apparently many others in Europe.
De-baptism.
Pain. Deep…deep sadness.
De-baptism.
I am a woman guided by deep respect, and admiration for the deliberate
commitments other individuals make. Deep
respect, and admiration for such deliberation surmounts any disagreement I may
have with the decisions made--with the individual deliberation.
De-baptism.
Yet, I feel pain. Deep…deep sadness.
De-baptism.
I am neither a Church apologist, nor am I a crusader against
the failings of the Church.
I know
people, who are committed apologists, and
dedicated crusaders. I know individuals, who have left the Church in anger, with deep hurt, disappointment, disillusionment, as well as for reasons I may never know, or understand.
I know them. I respect them. I admire them. I love them.
Yet, none of that appeases deep...deep sadness this news delivers to my spirit.
I do not feel anger. No outrage. No betrayal.
Confusion? Disillusionment?
No. Such call for more energy than is mine to give.
De-baptism.
Pain. Deep...deep sadness.
Baptism. My own baptism.
I remember that Day.
Baptism day. Sheer terror. "Wait. I can't do this. I don't have all of the answers yet."
Baptism day. Sheer terror. "Wait. I am supposed to know much more than I do."
Baptism day. Sheer terror. "Wait. They are going to find out I am a fraud."
De-baptism.
Sadness...deep sadness.
Baptism. My own baptism.
I remember that Day.
Joy. Celebration. An ecumenical blast.
May individuals, who commit themselves to de-baptism, discover joy--be blessed with celebration.
I remember your Baptism day, too, Patty! It remains one of the highlights of spiritual growth in my own life. And yes, I share your deep sadness for the very idea of de-Baptism. May people who experience it enter into a deeper re-Baptism, even if we (or they) can't yet imagine it.
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