Nuanced
Baptism by triple immersion; holy water and blessed garments healing
The Zion Christian Church practices baptism as a primary sacrament, performed by triple immersion in running water. Baptism is required for full membership. Beyond baptism, the church employs various healing practices understood as sacramental or sacred: blessed holy water (blessed by the Bishop), blessed garments, and staffs serve as healing media through which the Spirit's power is believed to work. These practices reflect the church's emphasis on healing as central to Christian faith.
The Lord's Supper is observed, particularly in the context of communal meals at the major pilgrimage to Zion City Moria during Easter.
Key Distinctions
- Term used:
- Sacraments and sacred practices
- Sacrament count:
- Baptism plus distinctive ZCC healing practices
- Baptism mode:
- Triple immersion in running water
- Baptism recipients:
- Believers upon joining the church
- Eucharist presence:
- Lord's Supper observed; communal meals at Moria pilgrimage
Scripture References
Sources
- ZCC Official communications
- Marthinus L. Daneel, Old and New in Southern Shona Independent Churches