Mormon Baptism QUESTION from Harry Craft August 10, 2001
Given the recent ruling on the validity of Mormon baptism, what is the status of Mormons who have converted to Catholocism previously? If there was a conditional baptism there would be no issue, but if I understand correctly, the practice was reception by a mere profession of faith without rebaptism, conditional or otherwise (if I am mistaken here, please correct me). Do such converts need to be baptized again now, and are all sacraments they have received since their original entry into the Church (especially Matrimony or Holy Orders) invalid?
ANSWER by Mr. Jacob Slavek on August 14, 2001
Dear Mr. Craft,
Although my area of knowledge is in liturgy and liturgcal law, not Sacramental Theology, I wish to offer you my thoughts.
Based on what I know, I believe previously baptized Mormons would NOT have been baptized validly. Mormon baptism was not rendered invalid because the Catholic Church said it was, rather, the Catholic Church said it was invalid because it IS invalid.
The reason Mormon baptism is invalid is because of their understanding of the Trinity. It is required that the Trinity in called upon for a baptism to be valid. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19)
Mormons believe that each member of the Trinity is an individual god.
In any case, I encourage anyone who has problems or doubt in this area to meet with their pastor immediately.
Mr. Slavek
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