A technology-savvy vicar staged a baptism over the internet – using an IPAD.
Anne Bennett, 50, the vicar of Borstal, Kent, allowed a godparent – who lives abroad – to take part in the service and recite the oath of their duties to the child via webcam.
The reverend, who worked for Sony before joining the church, did her best to keep the iPad out of the holy water as she wet the six-month-old baby’s head.
Posting on Twitter before the ceremony at St Matthew’s Church in Rochester, Kent, on Sunday, the vicar wrote: “Looking forward to having a virtual godparent at Sunday’s baptism, attending from far distant land.
“Must keep iPad clear of font.”
The vicar added: “St Matthew’s is a beautiful Victorian church with the best in traditional worship, but we embrace technology where it helps us to bring God’s love into our community.”
Rev Bennett worked for Sony for 20 years charged with installing logistics systems throughout Europe.
She joined the ministry in 2000 after the birth of her daughter, who is now 12.