Welcoming a child into the family and into the world is an occasion for thanksgiving. It is also a time for making solemn commitments about caring for that child and raising her or him with positive, compassionate and loving values.
Naming ceremonies are such occasions for thanksgiving and commitment on the part of parents, godparents and family members to raising a child within a supportive and loving framework. As Unitarians, we believe that children come into the world innocent and pure, so there is no element of 'washing away' the inherited guilt - a doctrine to which we don't subscribe. Should a family want a similar ceremony for a child who is past the baby stage - perhaps when he or she has been adopted – this can normally be arranged.
