i am writing this here cause i'm not brave enough to post in r&s!
My husband would like our daughter christened in our local village church. On investigating the website it says that the godparents must hhave been baptised themselves (which i suppose makes sense) One of the people who we would like as a godparent, and would trust p's moral guidance to has not been christened themselves (and in fact as far as i know doesn't believe in god)
Do you reckon there is any way round this with the church? i want to get ideas before i put it to them.
I realise how ridiculous it sounds, wanting a godparent that doesn't believe in god, but i would like this person to have some sort of status in her life, other than "mum's friend"
Any ideas (that don't involve lambasting me for being hypocritcal)?
How do you prove whether you have been christened or not? I know I was, when I could not choose for myself, but I have no proof, only my mother's word. If my mother had not told me, I would not know. Perhaps your friend has been christened and has not been told about it.
I think it does depend on the denomination, some churches are more casual in their rules. I go to a free church but even my minister would expect a Godparent to believe in God, as I think a Godparent is expected to bring the child up in Christian ways and teachings. My very elderly Godmother (sadly now gone) was a staunch old fashioned christian lady, heavily involved in our church.
But if the friend doesn't even believe in God, would she want to make vows in a Church that express that she does believe and undertake that she will encourage the child to lead a Christian life - surely not. I know a lot of people don't even think about it, but yes, it is hypocritical.
lol Lottie I don't have mine but there would have been no chance of me not being christened. I went to the little church school which was attached to the church.
Naomi I can assure you that I have nothing to 'get over'. In one post you say that people in R&S would have been helpful with regards to the OP and in the next post you say. "People addle their children's minds as they see fit. I can't put sense where there is none." which to my mind denegrates the OP.
I'm sorry if my ellipses annoy you............
I think back then every child was Christened regardless. It was expected. Nowadays people give it more thought. Mr LL and I are not religious but both come from completely different religious cultures. Son is not christened.
Civil marriages are acceptable. Why not a civil naming ceremony with sponsors? Not a legal binding to bring up the child should the parents die but an acknowledgement to guide the child.
Actually, people mistakenly think that Godparents are there to take the place of parents if necessary.
Daisy, your idea is much like I suggested. An informal occasion which you can arrange yourself which poems and things perhaps to welcome baby into the world.
Good idea Daisy if someone isn't religious then a naming ceremony would be a perfect solution IMO when people want to mark the occasion. I must say if people want a christening in church but don't go to church regularly, then IMO it's hypocritical...after all religion is what a christening is all about.
Just wondering, we (me and himself) are not religious but our children go/have been to a c of e school - is that hypocritical? (school in question is the village school).
Actually Lottie I realised my christening spoon is only 60 as I was 5 when my brother (4 and a bit years younger) were both "done" together!" Buy one get one free perhaps??