Why some churches reject names at baptism

Elsie,8, her baptism card reads Elizabeth, but her parents and teachers prefer Elsie. Margaret Kusiima, her caretaker says the contradiction began six years ago.
“At baptism, the priest told us Elsie was not religiously acceptable and changed it to Elizabeth. But her mother preferred Elsie which she uses at school,” says Kusiima.

Kusiima says this could be risky when pursuing formal documentation. Elsie is not alone. Some parents were left stunned recently during a baptism ceremony presided over by the Rev Esau Bbosa at Uganda Martyrs Anglican Church in Namugongo, who asked them to change the names.

In some cultures, naming ceremonies are held. With the advent of Christianity, priests have encouraged and discouraged use of certain names.
‘Unacceptable names’
Pop culture, sports and the information age affect Christian parents’ decision on naming children. Parents are torn between a pop star and a bible hero. The Rev Bossa says some parents are inspired to name children after musicians, yet some stage names lack meaning.

“People want to name their children after Bobi Wine without knowing the history of the name,” he notes. “But as Christians, we don’t want names that may turn out problematic.”
He cites Nabigiira, translated, ‘to face problems’ in Luganda. It shows your child will be facing problems.
The Rev Fr Paul Ssekayala at Uganda Martyrs Catholic Shrine Namugongo, argues. “If a name is not Christian, it doesn’t motivate the candidate (child) to have faith. Some people are interested in the sound of a name without understanding the meaning. Others name after colours which doesn’t reflect Christian sensibilities,” Fr Ssekayala says.

Biblical
Christian parents prefer biblical names as a sign of spiritual heritage in which they hope their children to grow up.
Fr Ssekayala says the intervention of God in our lives should inspire how we name children. “For instance, God’s servants such as Abram was renamed Abraham after surrendering to God; Jacob after wrestling with God’s angel, he became Israel; and Simon after meeting Jesus, he became Peter.” “This kind of new life that happens as God intervenes in our lives must be reflected when we get baptised. At baptism, you become a new person and a child of God and that should be reflected in the name.”
Rev Bbosa says simple criteria is used to accept names at baptism. “We look at the impact, history and bearer of the name. We prefer biblical names but also English and traditional names which are Christian are acceptable,” says Rev Bbosa.

Fusion
However, Rev Bbosa argues some African cultures have mastered fusing culture and religion which is good. “We have names such as Ruhanga Murungi which means God is good.” Fr Ssekayala argues that as long as the African names reflect a virtue or an event and it inspires a child to be humane and Christian it is okay. Both priests credit western Uganda tribes where most surnames have attachment to God. For example, Businge means peace. But naming from the bible is not a guarantee for a good name. “Although some Christians name after bible figures, there’s no biblical instruction or formula in naming. In biblical naming, it is not gospel truth because most bible names are surnames for Jews,” argues Rev Bbosa. He says it is okay to use them since all names had a meaning in the bible because they were given by God. He cites Moses and Abraham.

Parents’ take
“Is there any verse in the bible that dictates baptism names?” Peter Wandera, a concerned parent asks. He argues that one should be allowed to select a name of choice; and what is important is faith, and the communication between a person and God.
“Even if you baptise a child Matthew, it is not a guarantee that he will have faith. Some children have good names but turn out bad and the reverse is true. And some of these names we copy are according to the history of family tradition,” Wandera sums up
Tuhaise Jackline, a new mother and devout catholic, is looking forward to baptising her son but says she is cautious that her son’s name is accepted. She says at baptism, priests reject names considered ‘halves’. However, she says it is bad to dictate names.

Two cents
“Parents are supposed to do research, they should not just name for the sake because a name sounds nice. Get the meaning of that name.” Rev Esau Bbosa says.
Rev Fr Paul Ssekayala, says “Let parents research or ask, what a name means? Who was this person. This helps to uphold the pride in our names.”