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After the death of a baby following a ceremony, which involves immersing infants three times in holy water, the Orthodox Church in Romania was facing growing pressure on Thursday to change baptism rituals.
The six-week-old suffered a cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital on Monday but he died a few hours later, the autopsy revealing liquid in his lungs.
Prosecutors have opened a manslaughter probe against the priest in the northeastern city of Suceava.
An online petition calling for changes to the ritual had gathered more than 56,000 signatures by Thursday evening.
A message with the petition said “The death of a newborn baby because of this practice is a huge tragedy,”
“This risk must be ruled out for the joy of baptism to triumph.”
One internet user denounced the “brutality” of the ritual and another criticised the “stubbornness of those who think that it is the will of God” to maintain it.
Local media recounted several similar incidents in recent years.
Church spokesman Vasile Banescu said instead of full immersion, priests could pour a little water on the baby’s forehead
But Archbishop Teodosie, leader of the Church’s traditionalist wing, said the ritual would not change.
More than 80 percent of Romanians are Orthodox and the Church is one of the most trusted institutions, according to recent opinion polls.
Nigerian forward, Odion Ighalo on Thursday joined Saudi Arabia club, Al Shabab on a permanent deal after his one-year loan spell with Manchester United. “New chapter.. we move @alshababsaudifc,” the […]
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