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New Pastoral Guidelines for Infant Baptism, Celebration of Funerals in Guinea Issued to Foster Access

Members of the Episcopal Conference of Guinea (CEG). Credit: CEG
Jude Atemanke

By Jude Atemanke

Conakry, 03 July, 2025 / 11:25 am (ACI Africa).

Catholic Bishops in Guinea have issued new pastoral guidelines on the administration of infant Baptism and the Funeral celebration countrywide, with directives that affirm the Church’s commitment to inclusivity, mercy, and fidelity to Canon Law.

In a pastoral letter issued June 29, members of the Episcopal Conference of Guinea (CEG) emphasize that no child should be denied access to the Sacrament of Baptism because of the irregular conjugal situation of parents.

“Baptism is permitted for all children aged 0 to 6 years inclusive, regardless of their parents’ marital status,” CEG members say.

They note that since the sacramental grace of Baptism is “freely offered by God, no child should be deprived of it due to the irregular marital situation of the parents.”

Still, for parents in irregular marital situations, CEG members direct that the Parish Priest must ensure there is “a serious and explicit commitment” to provide the child with a Christian education before administering Baptism. 

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“This commitment must be documented and kept in the parish archives,” they add.

Guinea’s Catholic Bishops further direct that Priests “organize appropriate preparation for parents, godfathers, and godmothers before the administration of Baptism.”

“This preparation will focus on the meaning of baptism, the commitments made on behalf of the child, and the educational and spiritual role of the godparents,” CEG members say.

In the June 29 pastoral letter, CEG members also address care for the dead, stating that Christian funerals will now be granted to all deceased faithful, in accordance with the Code of Canon Law, “except in cases explicitly excluded by law.”

For Holy Communion, CEG members emphasize that it is reserved for those in regular canonical situations, while “for the faithful deceased in irregular situations, a celebration of the Word will be proposed.”

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“This ensures respect for both the dignity of the person and the sacramental discipline of the Church,” they add.

Catholic Bishops in Guinea further direct that funeral rites may be presided over by a Priest or Deacon, but “in the absence of these ordained ministers, a duly mandated Catechist may lead the celebration in accordance with current liturgical norms.”

“It is the responsibility of Parish Priests, Parish Councils, Priests and Deacons, as well as catechetical leaders, to faithfully follow the directives,” Togo’s Catholic Bishops say.

Jude Atemanke

Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.

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