Important Role of Godparents

So what does Godparents do?

To first understand what will be suitable gift ideas at a baptism to godparents and godchildren, it’s worthwhile first looking at exactly the role of godparents. In the very early church, godparents acted as representatives of the children being baptised.

As young babies are incapable of making rational decisions, someone had to be present that would ‘introduce’ them to the baptism or christening. This was the role of the godparents.

This role has over years become less spiritual and more emotional in nature. Even today though, godparents play a fairly big role in the upbringing of children and their personal development over the years. Therefore, even though there is no legal commitment toward your godchildren, it does carry a big emotional responsibility.

There are no limitations on the amount of godchildren you may have. The Queen of England, Elizabeth II for example has in excess of 30 godchildren at last count. Yes, that’s a lot! It really depends on how many you can take on.

The guideline on how godparents are chosen is different throughout various church denominations and these are explained briefly below.

Catholic Church

The rules regulating the eligibility of godparents are governed by Church law. Godparents must be at least 16 years old, a Catholic who has been confirmed and partakes in Communion. Individuals must also be free of any kind of church penalties and be selected by the parents of the child being baptised. The godparent cannot be a biological parent of the child and, upon accepting, assumes no legal responsibility over the child as guardian or any other form.

Church of England

The appointment of a godparent is similarly governed by Church law. The godparent should have been baptised. This is mandatory. Each child can’t have any fewer than three godparents, of which two needs to be of the same sex and at least on from the opposite sex. The rule of three is ideal, but not mandatory, in which case two will do.

Contrary to Catholic law, biological parents can also assume the role of godparents, as long as at least one godparent is not.

The above rules are generally the criteria that most churches follow, although many will have slight variations of these rules.

Most will have one thing in common - the need to stress the importance of the godparent’s role in the upbringing of the children. There is usually a special bond between godchildren and –parents, and the church want to underscore this.

Therefore when choosing a gift for this special occasion it is vital bear in mind the history and importance of the role that godparents play in the bigger scheme of things. Make that godchild baptism gift special!

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