Religious communities are offering baptism by Zoom. Such innovation has deep historical roots

The coronavirus pandemic is forcing entire countries to rethink deeply held social norms. Faith leaders are coming up with new ways to reach their communities, with many turning to online platforms to perform rituals.Among the services being offered via new technology are some of the most fundamental customs, or rituals, such as baptism. This ritual in Christianity normally involves either sprinkling or immersion in water and signals a special connection among the baptized individual, God and th