Romania: newborn dies after baptism with the Orthodox rite

The Orthodox Church in Romania is facing increasing pressure to change the baptismal rituals after the death of a child following a ceremony that involves immersing children three times in holy water. The six-week-old baby suffered cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital on Monday, but died a few hours later, an autopsy revealed fluid in his lungs. Prosecutors have opened a manslaughter investigation against the priest in the northeastern city of Suceava.

An online petition calling for changes to the ritual collected more than 56.000 signatures on Thursday evening. "The death of a newborn as a result of this practice is a huge tragedy," said a message with the petition. “This risk must be excluded for the joy of baptism to triumph”. One Internet user denounced the "brutality" of the ritual and another criticized the "stubbornness of those who think it is God's will" to keep it.

Local media have reported on several similar incidents in recent years. Church spokesman Vasile Banescu said priests could pour some water on the baby's forehead instead of doing full immersion but Archbishop Theodosie, leader of the church's traditionalist wing, said the rite would not will change. More than 80% of Romanians are Orthodox and the Church is one of the most reliable institutions, according to recent opinion polls.