Sadly, there are signs that racism is increasing across the world. Research from Europe and Australia in recent years has found a rise in the number of people experiencing racism. Reports from the U.S. and U.K. have indicated that most ethnic minority participants felt racism was getting worse. And a global study has found rising incidents of discrimination. Animosity toward those who appear different to us seems easy to arouse, especially in times of hardship and upheaval.
In medieval Europe, baptism was more than a rite of passage; it marked the beginning of spiritual life and affirmed one's place within the community. Baptism was the first milestone to enlightenment and the first stage to be overcome for the populace. It was the sacrament that not only welcomed an individual into the Christian life and the life of the Church, but also admitted them into the local community;