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Thousands of Catholics in America might have to be rebaptised after the church discovered that a priest had used the wrong word in the baptismal blessing for more than two decades. This invalidates all the baptisms he performed.

In place of the Vatican-approved "I baptize you," Father Andres Arango performed the first sacrament of Catholic life with the words, "We baptise you."

"It is not the community that baptizes a person and incorporates them into the Church of Christ; rather, it is Christ, and Christ alone, who presides at all sacraments; therefore, it is Christ who baptises," Thomas J. Olmsted, bishop of Phoenix, said.

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On Tuesday, diocese spokeswoman Katie Burke told AFP that Arango's error was identified in mid-2021, almost 25 years after he began working as a priest.

"Father Arango was using the incorrect words from the beginning of his priesthood until it was brought to the attention of the diocese last summer," she said.

"I do not have an exact number of people baptised between 1995 and 2021, but I believe they number in the thousands."

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Burke said Arango quit his job after the mistake came to light so he could dedicate his full-time ministry to helping and healing the persons affected by the mistake.

"The diocese is working closely with Father Arango and the parishes at which he was previously assigned to notify and make arrangements to baptise anyone who may have been baptised invalidly."

A website has been created to answer questions from concerned parishioners, such as, "Does this affect my marriage?" and "Do I need to go to confession?"

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The Catholic church views baptism as a rite of initiation that is necessary for believers to receive other blessings.&nbsp;Like other Christian denominations, it involves sprinkling or pouring water on the head, or immersing the supplicant.

Catholics believe that only those who have been baptised will be able to enter heaven after death.

Arango's mistake isn't the first; a priest in Michigan had to be re-baptised in 2020 after watching a family video, during which an officiant used "we" instead of "I."

(With inputs from agencies)

Thousands of Catholics in America might have to be rebaptised after the church discovered that a priest had used the wrong word in the baptismal blessing for more than two decades.

Thousands of Catholics in America might have to be rebaptised after the church discovered that a priest had used the wrong word in the baptismal blessing for more than two decades. This invalidates all the baptisms he performed. In place of the Vatican-approved "I baptize you," Father Andres Arango performed the first sacrament of Catholic life with the words, "We baptise you." "It is not the community that baptizes a person and incorporates them into the Church of Christ; rather, it is Christ, and Christ alone, who presides at all sacraments; therefore, it is Christ who baptises," Thomas J. Olmsted, bishop of Phoenix, said. Also read | More unmarked indigenous graves found at yet another Canadian school; 1300 graves since May 2021 On Tuesday, diocese spokeswoman Katie Burke told AFP that Arango's error was identified in mid-2021, almost 25 years after he began working as a priest. "Father Arango was using the incorrect words from the beginning of his priesthood until it was brought to the attention of the diocese last summer," she said. "I do not have an exact number of people baptised between 1995 and 2021, but I believe they number in the thousands." Also read | Ukraine hit by cyberattack after some Russian troops pull back Burke said Arango quit his job after the mistake came to light so he could dedicate his full-time ministry to helping and healing the persons affected by the mistake. "The diocese is working closely with Father Arango and the parishes at which he was previously assigned to notify and make arrangements to baptise anyone who may have been baptised invalidly." A website has been created to answer questions from concerned parishioners, such as, "Does this affect my marriage?" and "Do I need to go to confession?" Watch | Indonesian court jails Islamic school teacher for raping 13 students The Catholic church views baptism as a rite of initiation that is necessary for believers to receive other blessings. Like other Christian denominations, it involves sprinkling or pouring water on the head, or immersing the supplicant. Catholics believe that only those who have been baptised will be able to enter heaven after death. Arango's mistake isn't the first; a priest in Michigan had to be re-baptised in 2020 after watching a family video, during which an officiant used "we" instead of "I." (With inputs from agencies)

No entry in heaven?: Thousands in US need to be re-baptised as priest used the wrong words for baptism

The Orthodox Church is facing severe backlash after a Romanian child died following a baptism ceremony that involves immersing a child three times in holy water.&nbsp;

The six-year-old was rushed to a hospital on Monday as he was hit by a cardiac arrest.

Watch |

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A few hours post the hospitalisation, the child died with the autopsy revealing that liquid was found in his lungs. &nbsp;

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Prosecutors have launched a manslaughter probe against the priest who performed the ritual in the Romanian city of Suceava.&nbsp;

More than 56,000 people backed an online petition by Thursday evening that called for changes in the way the ritual is conducted.&nbsp;

"The death of a newborn baby because of this practice is a huge tragedy," a message with the petition said.&nbsp;

"This risk must be ruled out for the joy of baptism to triumph."

A netizen described the ritual as "brutality" and another said it reflects the "stubbornness of those who think that it is the will of God".&nbsp;

Local media reported similar cases in recent years.&nbsp;

Church spokesman Vasile Banescu said a little water on the baby's forehead could be poured instead of complete immersion.

However, Archbishop Teodosie, leader of the Church's traditionalist wing, said the ritual would not alter.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

The Orthodox Church is facing severe backlash after a Romanian child died following a baptism ceremony that involves immersing a child three times in holy water.

The Orthodox Church is facing severe backlash after a Romanian child died following a baptism ceremony that involves immersing a child three times in holy water. The six-year-old was rushed to a hospital on Monday as he was hit by a cardiac arrest. Watch | A few hours post the hospitalisation, the child died with the autopsy revealing that liquid was found in his lungs. Also read | 9000 baby deaths at church-run homes: Irish PM sorry for 'profound wrong' Prosecutors have launched a manslaughter probe against the priest who performed the ritual in the Romanian city of Suceava. More than 56,000 people backed an online petition by Thursday evening that called for changes in the way the ritual is conducted. "The death of a newborn baby because of this practice is a huge tragedy," a message with the petition said. "This risk must be ruled out for the joy of baptism to triumph." A netizen described the ritual as "brutality" and another said it reflects the "stubbornness of those who think that it is the will of God". Local media reported similar cases in recent years. Church spokesman Vasile Banescu said a little water on the baby's forehead could be poured instead of complete immersion. However, Archbishop Teodosie, leader of the Church's traditionalist wing, said the ritual would not alter.

Orthodox Church faces backlash after child dies following baptism

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