Sentamu joins open-air baptisms on Easter Sunday

Christians of many denominations and traditions came together in York's Parliament Street on Easter Day Sunday as 20 people entered into their new life with Jesus Christ through baptism by complete immersion in a large tank of water.

Baptism of new adult believers by total immersion (being bodily dipped under water) is highly symbolic of the Christian's death to their old life and re-birth in Jesus Christ, and was a particularly appropriate way to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus himself on Easter Day, three days after his execution on the cross, organisers said.

The celebration was put together by One Voice York, a network of Christian churches and leaders of different denominations working together across the city.

The York baptisms on Easter Day included members of a number of local churches of different denominations.

The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, participated in the baptism of all the candidates in partnership with their own church leader who was in the water with them.

Joint Chair of One Voice York Graham Hutchinson asked each candidate and all those present to affirm their faith before the baptisms.

He said, "New life in Jesus Christ is open to everyone, always, but Easter is a great time for people to make that public commitment - celebrating the fact that Jesus was risen to new life after death.

"The open-air baptisms in the centre of York are a sign that Jesus is alive and with us; that his death and new life are for everyone; and that this great news brings all Christians together."