8. The Rev Stephen Gibson asked -

In relation to our consideration of the Administration of Holy Communion by Lay Persons and Deacons, I would like to ask two questions concerning the other sacrament.

(a) Are Lay Persons and Deacons presently permitted to administer the sacrament of Holy Baptism in our Diocese?

(b) If the answer for either Lay Persons or Deacons is "No", is this a change in previous policy?

To which the President replied -

Deacons are permitted in circumstances as set out in the Book of Common Prayer. The Deaconesses, Readers and Other Lay Persons Ordinance 1981, clause 4(c) permits lay persons toconduct the ministration of baptism in any church where the minister of the church is unable to perform the same. This policy recognises that Lay Baptism, though not encouraged, is not disallowed in extreme circumstances. Some authorities issued under this Ordinance contain the clause 4(c) provision, but others do not. I have made the decision to no longer authorise lay people to conduct baptisms, as I do not see it as the role of non ordained people to minister the sacraments as any sort of general rule.