Godparents? Moral dilemma.

neverdespairgirl

runningwoman wrote: »

:rotfl:

"....thank you, thats JUST what I've always wanted...." :whistle:

Actually, over a period of 10 years, he gave me three copies of Pilgrim's Progress - the first was a child's version, then two different adult versions.

you can have too much of a good thing.....

tea_lover

It sounds as if you're not comfortable with it, so personally I think you've already made your decision.

As a churchgoing Christian I would so much rather have someone turn a request down for honest, sincere reasons such as this than go along with something they weren't fully comfortable with.

As others have said, being a godparent has nothing at all to do with legal responsibilities or worst-case scenarios. It's about helping to bring a child up in the faith into which they were baptised. If you don't feel comfortable with that, I think you know what your answer is.

Best of luck with it all. I'm sure if you explain your reasons to them, and make it clear that you'd love to remain involved with their son's life (as much as distance permits) but not in a religious way, they'll understand and be grateful for your honesty.

neverdespairgirl

lostinrates wrote: »

I would be happy to be godparent, and support education and adherance to a faith so long as the parents understood my approach.

I understand your approach - I'm not sure that (the C of E one, anyway) service allows for it, really:

At the baptism of children, the president then says to the parents
and godparents

Parents and godparents, the Church receives these children with joy.

Today we are trusting God for their growth in faith.
Will you pray for them,
draw them by your example into the community of faith
and walk with them in the way of Christ?

With the help of God,we will.

In baptism these children begin their journey in faith.
You speak for them today.
Will you care for them,
and help them to take their place
within the life and worship of Christ’s Church?

With the help of God,we will.

A large candle may be lit. The president addresses the candidates
directly, or through their parents, godparents and sponsors

In baptism, God calls us out of darkness into his marvellous light.
To follow Christ means dying to sin and rising to new life with him.
Therefore I ask:

Do you reject the devil and all rebellion against God?

I reject them.

Do you renounce the deceit and corruption of evil?

I renounce them.

Do you repent of the sins that separate us from God and neighbour?

I repent of them.

Do you turn to Christ as Saviour?

I turn to Christ.

Do you submit to Christ as Lord?

I submit to Christ.

Do you come to Christ, the way, the truth and the life?

I come to Christ.

GobbledyGook

wolfehouse wrote: »

the humanists have come up with their own version (which is what my dd has in place for her son)
guardparents.
it neatly gets around the religious issue while ensuring a special relationship is in place for the child's benefit.

I'm also a Humanist and my children have Odd-Parents :rotfl:

Even though I'm a Humanist I'm Godparent to a child who was Christened in a CofE ceremony. The Vicar/Minister was happy when my cousin explained that although I have chosen Humanism I believe that people should take the time to explore religion before making any choices. I also firmly believe in supporting the choices and beliefs of people when they make them. After a few chats he could see why my friend had chosen me and was happy with it. I promised to support my Godchild's parents decision to bring him up in the way they did and also to support his path of finding his own feet in life.