Do Mormons believe in Baptism

Yes. In order to become an official member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the "Mormon" church), you must be baptized. Anyone is welcome to participate in Mormon worship services, but to be an official member of the congregation or to serve in the church, you must be baptized. Here are some Mormon beliefs about baptism:

*Mormons believe that baptism must be performed by one with the proper authority, and therefore do not accept baptisms in other Christian churches as valid. Any Mormon male who has been ordained a priest (most Mormon males age 16 and older) may perform a baptism with the permission of the local Bishop.

*Mormons believe that only those who are old enough to be accountable for their actions should be baptized. They will not baptize children under 8 years old, and baptizing those with mental handicaps is up to the discretion of the individual.

*Mormons believe that baptism must be done by immersion and in the name of God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. A baptism can be performed anywhere.

*Mormons believe that baptism is essential for salvation. (see Mark 16:16, Luke 7:30, John 3:5, Acts 2:38, Acts 10:48, 1 Peter 3:21) Because of this, they also perform baptisms in behalf of their ancestors who died without the opportunity. It is believed that the ancestor has the opportunity to accept or reject this baptism in the afterlife. These baptisms for the dead are done in Mormon Temples.

*In order to qualify for baptism in the Mormon church, you must have attended several worship services and be living an acceptable lifestyle. (Avoiding drugs, alcohol, tobacco, coffee, pornography, and sex outside of marriage, obeying the Ten Commandments, etc.) You must have repented of any past sins and also meet with a local church leader and bear witness of your faith in Jesus Christ to them.

Check out the "Related Links" below to see photos of Mormon baptisms or to learn more about what Mormons believe about baptism.