What is your view on having a formal thanksgiving ceremony for a baby just born, at the request of the parents, especially as part of the worship service? I have always thought that this was a cultural matter, and that Christians should invite others to such an event in a private setting, as this could detract from the central focus of a church service. The Bible offers no example of this in the first century church. -- Ugo Ahunanya (London)

There is no biblical support for such a practice. But that of course does not mean it is unbiblical, or should be forbidden. You are right: this is cultural. Each family and each congregation will have its own customs. While I can imagine that this would detract from a church service, there is no biblical case. Freedom reigns.