My ex husband isn't Catholic, can he disagree with the kids being baptized Catholic?

Question

He says that if he disagrees to have them be baptized Catholic that the church couldn't do it according to doctrine.

Answer 1

He is divorced from YOU, not the children. He should be allowed to have input in the decision.

Peace.

Answer 2

Your husband is correct. The Catholic Church will not baptize a child against the will of the parents. If your child as an adult chooses to become Catholic the Catholic Church recognizes most Christian baptisms as valid. The only two criteria for a valid baptism is the Trinitarian format(in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit) and an actual pouring of water over the head. Have your child baptized in a church that you can agree upon.

Answer 3

--Is Catholic

Yes you can have your children baptized. In fact, as a Catholic, you are required by the Catholic Faith to have your children baptized Catholic. It is a grievous sin against your own faith not to raise your children as Christ commanded, for in blocking your children's baptism, you are putting an obstacle between them and Christ who commanded that the little ones be able to come to Him.

Your husband knows little of Catholic doctrine, as do many of the posters above this. I would suggest the Catechism should be read by your husband so that he might know what it is that the Catholic Church does and does not teach, but since we are talking about more so what the Catholic Church can and cannot do according to its own understanding of itself, I refer you to Canon Law

Here is the section that you should read that spells out the rights and responsibilities of Catholics on the topic of Baptism, which I suggest reading in full instead of me just giving the highlights. It is short.

http://www.ourladyswarriors.org/canon/c0840-1165.htm#par1787

I would also like to point out
Can 868 ß2 An infant of catholic parents, indeed even of non-Catholic parents, may in danger of death be baptized even if the parents are opposed to it.

Answer 4

Why baptize your kids? Just because you are catholic does not mean that your children should have to have your choice of religion forced upon them. You to should come to a mutual decision, or wait until your child grows up and wants to choose a religion. You should only be baptized if you understand the Bible and want to follow Gods teachings.

Answer 5

If he's not Catholic, then how would he know about Church Doctrine? Is he committed to a religion? If not, then why would't he want you to instill your Catholic values in your children. Sounds like he's just trying to be spiteful. You need to talk to your Priest and get his opinion. If he doesn't want them to be baptized any other religion, then why can't you do it?

Answer 6

I'm not sure about that. But we had the opposite problem in my family. My husband is Catholic and i'm not....so we decided not to baptize the kids....I do know that i was not able to become a godmother of my nephew because I was not Catholic....so i'd look into it if i were you...

Answer 7

He is their father and as long as he does his best at being their father he has a right to make decisions in their life no matter what is happening between him and you. Think of what's best for the kids now, they can always be baptized later

Answer 8

welll..you probably shoulve thought of this before you married him!
i say let it be. or have hours of conversation and bickering until you guys make a decision together OR better yet...when your kid is old enough...let him make the decision of whether or not he wants to be baptized. and dont force anything upon the kid...it only brainwashes and drains them!

Answer 9

Normally children fallow the mothers religion, When living with her full time and the parents are divorced.
You should contact your Priest and ask him.
Hope this helps.

Answer 10

yes he can, if he has joint legal custody.why argue over a childs baptism, as long as he is, baptized. your best interest should be in the child, not the two of you.