Centuries-old rite rewritten in Britain

de bene esse: literally, of well-being, morally acceptable but subject to future validation or exception

Archbishop of Canterbury casts out 'sin' from christenings: Centuries-old rite rewritten in 'language of EastEnders' for modern congregation

The new wording - backed by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby - is designed to be easier to understand. But critics are stunned at such a fundamental change to a cornerstone of their faith, saying the new 'dumbed-down' version 'strikes at the heart' of what baptism means. In the original version, the vicar asks: 'Do you reject the devil and all rebellion against God?' But under the divisive reforms parents and godparents are asked to 'reject evil, and all its many forms, and all its empty promises'- with no mention of the devil or sin.