Record a Baptism and Confirmation for a Child Who Is a Member of Record

Policy and Principles

“The bishop holds the priesthood keys for baptizing 8-year-old members of record in a ward. These children should be baptized and confirmed on or as soon after their 8th birthday as is reasonable (see Doctrine and Covenants 68:27). These are children for whom Church membership records already exist (see 33.6.2). When they reach age 8, the bishop makes sure they have every opportunity to accept the gospel and be baptized and confirmed.

For information about baptizing and confirming a person who has an intellectual disability, see 38.2.4 and 38.2.8.1.

The bishop or an assigned counselor interviews children of record for baptism and confirmation. Instructions are in 31.2.3.1.

For information about filling out the Baptism and Confirmation Record, see 18.8.3.

Bishops give special attention to 7-year-old children in the ward, ensuring that their parents, their Primary leaders and teachers, and those who minister to their families help them prepare for baptism and confirmation. Elders quorum and Relief Society leaders also encourage parents to prepare their children for these ordinances” (General Handbook, 18.7.1).

The clerk prints the Baptism and Confirmation form and ensures that the child’s parent or legal guardian signs the form, authorizing the Church to collect and process the child’s personal information. The bishop or an assigned counselor interviews the child and also signs the form. At the time of the baptism and confirmation, the bishop or an assigned counselor completes the ordinance information and gives the form to the clerk for recording.

After the clerk records the baptism and confirmation, he prepares a certificate. The bishop signs the certificate, and the bishop or the clerk gives it to the new member.

Procedures

1. Click the Ordinances link under the Membership tab, or click here to go to the Ordinances page in LCR.
2. Select Baptism and Confirmation from the drop-down menu, enter the name of the child to be baptized and confirmed, and print the Baptism and Confirmation form.
3. After the baptism and confirmation have been performed, click the Record Baptism button, follow the steps given on the page, and save the record.
4. Click the View Certificate button to view and print the certificate.

Note: Baptism and confirmation for a child who is a member of record may also be recorded by going to the Ordinances tab on the child’s member profile or by going to the Action and Interview List.