Baptized Baby Critical After Near-Drowning

WASHINGTON —  A 4-month-old girl was in critical condition Saturday after nearly drowning during a baptism.

Officials at the Imani Temple agreed late Friday not to take action against Father August Griffin, who briefly immersed the baby’s head three times into a baptismal tub during the ceremony last Sunday.

Blood began streaming from Sade Victoria Omotola’s nose and her face turned blue, police said. She is on life support at Children’s Hospital, and police are investigating the incident.

The infant, born prematurely, was released from the hospital a month ago, said the Rev. George Stallings, who founded the temple seven years ago for black Catholics disillusioned with the church.