On the Correct Formula for Baptism

On the Correct Formula for Baptism

Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith

RESPONSA AD PROPOSITA DUBIA
of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith
concerning the use of certain baptismal formulas
with inclusive language
 

RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS PROPOSED

on the validity of Baptism conferred with the formulas
"I baptize you in the name of the Creator, and of the Redeemer, and of the Sanctifier"
and "I baptize you in the name of the Creator, and of the Liberator, and of the Sustainer"

QUESTIONS

First question: Whether the Baptism conferred with the formulas "I baptize you in the name of the Creator, and of the Redeemer, and of the Sanctifier" and "I baptize you in the name of the Creator, and of the Liberator, and of the Sustainer" is valid?

Second question: Whether the persons baptized with those formulas have to be baptized in forma absoluta?

RESPONSES

To the first question: Negative.

To the second question: Affirmative.

The Supreme Pontiff Benedict XVI, at the Audience granted to the undersigned Cardinal Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, approved these Responses, adopted in the Ordinary Session of the Congregation, and ordered their publication.

Rome, from the Offices of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, February 1, 2008.

William Cardinal Levada, Prefect

Angelo Amato, S.D.B.
Titular Archbishop of Sila, Secretary

Taken from:
L'Osservatore Romano
Weekly Edition in English
5 March 2008, page 9

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