The Importance of Dads

84% of parents feel responsible for the nurture of their child's soul, recent CofE research shows. Yet in the main it is mothers, rather than fathers, who arrange baptism for children. But we know from past research that when fathers have a demonstrable Christian faith, up to 99% of the direct family will come to engage with the Christian faith. Therefore the role of a father is crucial in the spiritual nurture of children.

Affirming fathers in their role, Mothers' Union, in partnership with the Church of England and FLAME, has produced a card resource, which can be given to fathers at the baptism of their child. Called What Dads Add the card gives ideas for giving spiritual care, prayers, an explanation for the baptism promises and an affirmation of the role of a the role of a father in spiritual nurture. A website www.whatdadsadd.co.uk gives more details and resources, including a downloadable wallet-sized resource leaflet for dads.

Hard copies of the leaflet for dads available from Central Services at Mothers' Union