A simplified baptism service could soon be rolled out across the Church of England, in a move away from the \u201d\u02dcwordy\u2019 traditional liturgy. The Additional Texts for Holy Baptism was before Synod for First Consideration, having been changed since it was introduced by the Diocese of Liverpool, following criticisms of it \u201d\u02dcdumbing down\u2019 the service. The Bishop of Sodor and Man moved the motion, explaining the need stemming from the \u201d\u02dcwordy and complex\u2019 nature of the current provision. It is now to be considered by the Revision Committee. The new text shortens the service by omitting elements that are not obligatory. \u201cWhen a child is brought for baptism he or she comes with empty hands,\u201d\u009d Robert Paterson said, \u201cSimply the most precious thing in God\u2019s sight is a child of his creation.\u201d\u009d Feedback from families who have taken part in baptism show they remember the symbols of the service more than words. \u201cThis is a specific request to draft liturgy to meet pastoral need,\u201d\u009d he continued. The Group believed the word \u201d\u02dcsubmit\u2019, seen in the current text, \u201d\u02dcseemed to some like bullying\u2019. All of these texts in their authorised form would be additional, not to replace Common Worship texts, the Bishop promised, and is subject to yet more synodical processes. He alluded to the backlash over the absence of the devil in the new baptism service. \u201cWe all know that, for many people, the devil has been turned into a cartoon-like character of no particular malevolence. \u201cWe have no quarrel with standing up to the devil: the problem is helping people with little doctrinal appreciation to understand what we mean by affirming that the devil is a defeated power.\u201d\u009d The press was heavily criticised by many speakers in the debate highlighting the omission of the devil and sin from the first trial draft. \u201cWherever possible, the final \u201d\u02dcCommission\u2019 should be expressed simply and directly, eye-to-eye, and not read from a prepared text.<\/p>\n