Baby Dies After Baptism, Outrage Demands Change In Church Rituals

Baby dies after baptism, wide calls for change in rituals: The Orthodox Church in Romania has come under the scanner after a six-week-old infant died following baptism rituals that required the priest to immerse him thrice in holy water. The baby's death has sparked massive outrage, with many issuing petitions and calls for a modification to this baptism technique.

Earlier this week, in the aftermath of his baptism, the infant suffered a cardiac arrest, as per The Guardian. He was rushed to hospital but unfortunately couldn't survive. Doctors said the autopsy showed liquid in the child's lungs. As official investigations progress, social media users are demanding strict action against what some are calling "brutality" and certain changes to reduce the risks of church rituals.  

Baby Dies After Baptism, Priest Accused  

Parents of the deceased were quoted saying that the baby allegedly inhaled 110 milliliters of water. "I can tell you he was crying, but the priest plunged him into water three times, and he inhaled water," the father said. 

As per reports, the case has been termed 'manslaughter' by authorities who are investigating the priest who performed the baptism. Local media says witnesses noticed the priest in question allegedly did not cover the mouth and nose of the baby while immersing him in water. 

Online outrage builds as baby dies after baptism

As news of the infant's death came to light, netizens lamented over the cost of religion to an innocent life. "An innocent dies in the name of religious ritual," one Twitter user wrote. Another wrote, "This is what you call literal murder, not abortion."