My Scientology Baby Naming Ceremony

Press Release • Nov 19, 2015

The Scientology religion includes a ceremony to celebrate new parenthood and introduce a newborn to the world. In the Scientology naming ceremony, a child formally receives his or her new identity, is introduced to their parents and godparents and resoundingly welcomed to the congregation.

Clearwater, Florida, November 19, 2015 (Newswire.com) - I did a Naming Ceremony at the Church Of Scientology in Clearwater Florida, for my daughter Layna. The purpose of the ceremony is not only to welcome the baby into her family and into her community, but also to publicly delineate the roles of the parents and god-parents for all to witness.

I decided to do it at my local Church in Clearwater because, as a venue, it is positively stunning, simply stated. With the 30 feet high marble walls in the Grand Chapel, incredible glowing cross in the background, the atmosphere was, well, perfect.

"Yet always remember this: Young Layna's life is HERS and, in the final account, it is for her to make the choice what path she choose, what game she play. And should she in later time decide, to turn away from that which seems to us to be the only game worthwhile, then that too is her right. "Our job is to teach and to ensure that she in time to come reaches that freedom that she can deliver herself the good and rightful judgement of her fate."

Church of Scientology Minister

Having grown up a 3rd generation Scientologist , I thought the Scientology Naming Ceremonyby Mr. L Ron Hubbard, was the perfect way to welcome our new little one.

There are 2 versions to the Naming Ceremony (both detailed in the book, The Backgrounds, Ministry, Ceremonies and Sermons of the Scientology Religion. – the longer Formal ceremony, and the shorter, “Informal” ceremony. The latter is the one we chose.

Simply put, it was a ceremony introducing her to her parents (myself and my husband), her God Mother & God Father (should anything ever happen to us), and also, what I think is so important – the ceremony introduced her to herself.

Why would a child need an introduction to herself? In my opinion, if you think about it, other than addressing a child, how does one know what their name is? Does anyone ever say “your name is _________?” “Your parents names are _________ and __________”. Well, maybe some people do. But I think it’s important, after all – aren’t babies just like us, but smaller in their physical form? After all, they are people as well. I think it’s so important to address them like people, and talk like them, as I have found they definitely understand!

The ceremony was special – and I had about 50 people there (family who traveled from out of state and local friends). There were Scientologists, Luterans, Christians and non-Scientologists who all joined me for this momentous occasion.

The ceremony was about 10 minutes long, ending with the Minister doing the formal drop of water on her head, naming her. Needless to say, there were tears of joy all around. I had many of my friends and family telling me after the ceremony that they had happy tears. At first I was wondering why all the happy tears, but after thinking about it – isn’t welcoming a new little one into the world the most beautiful, joyful thing ever? Absolutely.