I am very honored that my friend has asked me to be her child's godmother, but she is Cathloic and I am Pantheist. I would love to support her child and be a part of her life, but question whether I would be the appropriate godmother. I plan to discuss this with my friend soon, but wanted to see what others think the role of a godmother entails.
2007-05-30 11:36:26 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Most people would say 'yes' because they don't really take the promise they make in a religious ceremony very seriously. They tend to focus on the friendship aspect of the request.
I'm not knocking that or their decision ~ friendship is a great joy in any life and we should support our friends in any way we can.
But personally, I won't vow to do something I am not sure in all conscience I can.
So, I would want to know just what is required of a godparent, before making my decision.
It may be that the ceremony you friends have organised simply asks you to stand by the child and help her/him to grow spiritually.
On the other hand, the service may require that you, as godparent, vow to help raise the child in a particular faith tradition.
If you can see no objection in your beliefs or conscience, then being godparent will be a wonderful joy in your life and bring much happiness in future years.
If however it conflicts with your own beliefs, you may have to decline the invitation, explaining that while you will always be a friend and supporter of the child, you cannot undertake a religious obligation insincerely.
A friend who is herself a religious person would respect your decision not to begin her child's spiritual journey with a lie, even a lie told with good intentions.
My two cents :-)
Best of luck with this! :-)
2007-05-30 11:54:29 · answer #1 · answered by thing55000 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The role of a godmother is not something of opinion. It is like asking, "What do you think 2 + 2 equals?"
No, it is not appropriate for you to be a godmother. The role of a godparent in the Catholic Church is support the parents in raising the child as a Catholic. Can you, as a non-Catholic, be an example of a faithful, practicing Catholic to the child?
It is commendable and lovely that you would like to support the parents in raising the child and I encourage you to do so. You can be a witness at the baptism.
2007-05-31 01:39:28 · answer #2 · answered by Sldgman 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You can be an official witness but not a godmother.
Actually only one Godparent is necessary. You can have one godfather, one godmother, or one of each.
The role of the godfather and/or godmother is very important. They must be firm Catholic believers, able and ready to help the newly baptized—child or adult—on the road of Christian life.
To ensure this, a godparent must be at least 16 years old (for maturity's sake), fully initiated (having received Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist), be someone other than the legal parents, and one who leads a life in harmony with the Church.
If you have only one Catholic godparent, then you may have a non-Catholic participate as an official witness. The witness will be responsible for setting a good example for the baptized person while the Catholic godparent will share the specifics of the Catholic faith.
With love in Christ.
2007-05-30 17:32:06 · answer #3 · answered by imacatholic2 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The position of a godmother isn't some thing of opinion. It is like asking, "What do you suppose two + two equals?" No, it isn't suitable so that you can be a godmother. The position of a godparent within the Catholic Church is aid the moms and dads in elevating the little one as a Catholic. Can you, as a non-Catholic, be an illustration of a loyal, practising Catholic to the little one? It is commendable and beautiful that you just might love to aid the moms and dads in elevating the little one and I inspire you to take action. You generally is a witness on the baptism.
2016-09-05 17:05:25 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to be a believing and practicing Catholic to be a Catholic Godparent. You could be what they call an honorary god parent since you could not say yes to the very Christian Trinitarian vows. Trinitarian Protestants can be what is called a "Christian Witness' but the other godparent has to be a practicing Catholic.
2007-06-02 15:05:38 · answer #5 · answered by James O 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No you shouldn't be a grandmother for your friends baby............. Oh a godmother never mind.
You don't have to be Catholic to be a godmother. A godmother just agrees to be responsible for the child in case something should happen to the parents. Kisses BS
2007-05-30 11:44:43 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Part of the duties and responsibilities of a godparent is to ensure the child is raised in the path that the parents would chose, if they were able to make the choice. If you can raise the child as a catholic and still maintain your own beliefs, then I would say yes, go for it. Otherwise, you might want to sit down and talk to your friend about what she expects of you as a godparent to her child.
2007-05-30 11:41:28 · answer #7 · answered by lupinesidhe 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Technically, no, you have to be confrimed within the Catholic church in order to be a godparent. But not all churches are going to ask for your resume`.
2007-05-30 11:39:52 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can be one of the baby's Godparents.
She will need one Godparent to be Catholic.....you can provide the love & support.
2007-05-30 11:40:23 · answer #9 · answered by daljack -a girl 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think it's against the laws of the church for a non-Catholic to be a godparent.
2007-05-30 11:40:02 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋