Fornication and baptism

[nainmaddie]

Hi Seoras

I found a whole raft of " begotten in fornication " in a parish on Anglesey, Wales.  They were all illegitmate !!
The only time the vicar changed it slightly was when the said father died before the child was born.

It was down to the local vicar to decide if he felt that  "begotten in fornication " was deemed necessary !

Nainmaddie

[Deb D]

I have read that in some areas it was common for the woman to be pregnant at the time of the marriage - possibly to prove that she could actually have children??

I've heard that, too - and not just in Scotland.  I believe there's somewhere in Sweden or Norway where it's a prerequisite for marriage that the bride-to-be must be pregnant, or the groom-to-be can legally postpone or cancel the wedding.

[Seoras]

Ah I see an early form of test drive.Though in my original post he had been testing for 3 years and proved it worked twice

[Billyblue]

Ah I see an early form of test drive.

Wasn't that a practice in Ireland too?  To make sure, as Deb suggested, that the lady was fertile enough to bear children !!

Dawn M

[Ruskie]

These are the days when it was always the 'ladies' fault if there were no babies. 

[Redroger]

I believe the term is still used in parts of the Western Isles, no doubt after they had segregated the cocks from the hens to ensure they do not fornicate on the Sabbath!

[stanmapstone]

Hi George

On a recent thread it was stated that the Church was usually willing to baptise infants, whatever the circumstances of their birth.  Presumably those born out of wedlock were deemed to be in even greater need of 'saving'?

Linda

Under Ecclesiastical Law,  a minister could not  refuse, or delay to baptise any child.
" Canon 68: No minister shall refuse or delay to christen any child, according to the form of the Book of Common Prayer, that is brought to the church to him upon Sundays or holy days to be christened (convenient warning being given him thereof before) in such manner and form as is prescribed in the Book of Common Prayer; and if he shall refuse to christen, he shall be suspended by the bishop of the diocese from his ministry by the space of three months."
Today the requirements for the baptism of infants are now in Canons B21 to B23. If the requirements are met, the minister must baptise the child. If he declines or unduly delays, the parents or guardians may apply to the bishop for his direction.

Stan

[Seoras]

Well as I said they had already done the same 3 years earlier (see below) and I suppose I should be glad they had another go as the second one is my line.Can't find a marriage or any other kids for these two though,perhaps they were banished

George.

[mazi]

 
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