Christening questions...

[[M]umma[M]ia]

one quick question...

Do you HAVE to have godparents to get a child christened?

thanks in advance

[Lulu]

Umm, yeah I would think so. I thought the role of godparents was to be part of the childs life and to help them with their relationship and understanding of god and to help guide them through life?

ETA: that was a bit of a crap explanation.

So if you are Christening a child into faith, part of the deal of godparents is to ensure the religious education of the child, and to take care of them if anything happens to you.

Is there no one around you can consider for this role hun?

[Astrid]

Was having this conversation with a friend the other day who just had a dedication ceremony for her second DD.

From what I can gather it may depend on the church. With my friend they decided against god parents as the god parents can actaully have input in the religious upbringing of the child. They did not want that input from other regarding their children, even though they are very active members of their church. Can't remember what their church is, but it is not one of the major ones.

I would suggest having a talk to your church

[briggsy's girl]

i was thinking the same - for most of the mainstream religions, it is generally accepted (and i think expected) that at least one godparent be introduced into the childs life. i think if you're having a dedication or naming ceremony though, there is no need for godparents

[Astrid]

Got curious on this one, so I did a quick Google. Depends on the church and the actual ceremony. For example one Anglican church insisted on at least 1, but preferred 3, godparent, whilst a different Anglican church preferred there to be godparents, but did not require it.

God Parents and legal guardians (in the case of something happening to both parents) are actually separate roles, but can be the same people if you wish.

[[M]umma[M]ia]

thanks

There doesnt seem to be anyone around here that fit into that role thats all..

Me and DP dont have much to do with religion so we dont really need anyone guiding her through the religous belief iykwim. I want Mia to pick her own beliefs, but that being said i would still like her to be christened.

Hope that makes sense.