Being a mormon godparent to a christian child, is it acceptable?

Question

A friend who has been baptised as a mormon has been asked to be a godmother to a child that is being christened in a C of E church. Is it acceptable to be a god parent across fiaths?

Answer 1

Mormons are Christians. I cannot see a problem, but then again, I am a Pagan.

Answer 2

Best to ask this question of the C of E priest / minister / pastor / reverend. What does it mean to be a godmother? I doubt if the parents of the child died that their wills would state that the child should be adopted and raised by the Mormon godmother anyhow. Most likely, a close relative would get the child. It seems that being a godparent these days is a mere title and some sort of honor rather than of any real significance. I could be wrong, though, so ask all those who believe strongly in "godparents" to chime in and state the facts (don't forget you sources, and opinions are not sources).

Answer 3

I am a Mormon, but was previously a vicar's wife, so I think I have some knowledge on this one!

First off, it's a myth that the godparents have to raise the child if anything happens to the parents. That is for the state and remaining family to work out. The duty of a godparent is to help the parents to raise the child "to fight againt evil and to follow Christ" and to give "help and encouragement" to the child "by your prayers, by your example, and by yout teaching." (Alternative Service Book). A Mormon would have no problem with this.

The promises the godparents have to make in a C of E baptism/christening are "I turn to Christ", "I repent of my sins" and "I renounce evil". Again, the Mormon godparent should have no trouble with any of these - as Christians, these things are a given.

Although it has to be up to the godparent, I think many Mormons would have a problem with the issue of this being a baptism ceremony for a child. The Book of Mormon is quite clear that children are innocent and do not require baptism. Also they would not accept that the clergyman has the necessary authority to perform such an ordinance and would propbably believe that the baptism is not valid.

Even bearing this in mind, however, I think many Mormons would consider taking part in what they would accept as an initiation ceremony to welcome the baby of a special friend, however invalid they might consider it to be as a baptism, and would be honoured to be ask to be godparents.

Answer 4

I would think that a Catholic would choose a Catholic to be a Godparent and a person of another Christian faith would also choose a Godparent of the same faith as well. Mormons are Christians, but their beliefs are different from other Christians ( most faith differ anyways), so I would think it would not be the best, for all involved.

Answer 5

I am Mormon, and my husband and I were recently asked to be "godparents" for a baby girl. Her mom is also Mormon, so I was a little confused about the request. I asked what she wanted from us for her daughter. She felt that she doesn't really have anyone else that she would trust to raise her baby if she were to die, so that's what she wanted from us- for us to raise her daughter if she were to die.

I think that as long as expectations are clear, there shouldn't be a problem.

Answer 6

I don't believe so. If you are god parent to a child, how can you fulfil your duties if you practise a different faith? Or worse, not practise any faith at all You could promise yourself / the child's parents, that you will always look out for them and keep an eye on their progress through life, which is much the same as a god-parents vows

Answer 7

First of all, Mormons are Christian, so that should pose no problem. But because Mormons are different from other Christian religions, as is every other church (i.e. catholics from protestants), it may present some problems for both parties. It is always ideal to be raised by someone of your own faith, just as it is ideal to be married to someone of your own faith. But I don't foresee a problem, since Mormons believe in and testify of Christ, as any other Christian religion does.

Answer 8

It's OK as long as you don't try and brainwash the child, all children should be told about God, and then let decide on their own, I know that's something you as a Mormon would find hard to do.

Answer 9

I am a Wiccan who is godmother to two children being raised in the christian faith. If the parent's don't have a problem with it in asking you why question it. Rejoice in the fact that you have a godchild.

Answer 10

As long as the Godparent respects the child's religion and keeps them active in their religious practices, I find no problem with it.