Some explanations are therefore offered here, and classes are required for those who come to Baptism. Baptism in the Episcopal Church is full initiation into Christ's Body the Church and is offered both to adults and children. Since most Episcopal Baptisms are of children, we need to give this special consideration. There is only one reason for baptizing a child in the name of Jesus Christ - the parents have made Jesus Christ head of their household. The Lord Jesus has given Baptism as the outward sign of the relationship.
Baptism is the sign of belief in Jesus.
It symbolizes burial and resurrection, and thus is the mark of a believer's identification with Christ. Logically, Baptism ought to follow belief, which is the case with adult Baptism. But coming out of the Jewish tradition of Circumcision, Christian parents include their children in the external expressions of faith. And thus for centuries parents have had their children baptized in the confidence that God will help them bring these same children into a mature, vibrant Christian faith. In the event of such tragedy that the parents cannot fulfill their promises, the responsibility falls to the godparents.