Godparents of non- Catholics?

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I just found out that my husband’s brother and his wife are planning to as my dh and I to be godparents for their baby. They are Lutheran, although not really practicing anything. Are there any issues with us being godparents for non-Catholics? My initial feeling is that, because neither of them are “fallen away” Catholics, and have no particular predjudices against the Catholic faith, that is shouldn’t be a problem, but I am looking for some thoughts or experiences from others.

My second issue is that I then feel somewhat obligated to have them as godparents, along with one of my Catholic sibs, for our next baby (due December).

I just don’t want there to be any hard feelings, as this is my dh twin brother and his only full sib (2 half sibs), and his bro’s wife is an only child.
 
The role of godparent is so much more than just a ceremonial position awarded to the closest relative or best friend. It is about more than being a “good person”. It’s about being a guide and companion to someone seeking the Fullness of Truth. It is about modeling the behaviors, beliefs and attitudes of a faithful Catholic.

It’s my understanding that a Catholic cannot serve as a Godparent for a child who will not be baptized and raised in the Catholic Church even if the other denomination permits it. This makes sense to me because a faithful Catholic would not fully subscribe to the teachings and disciplines of the other denomination.

Also, it would be very wrong to ask someone who is not a devout Catholic to serve as godparent for your own child. As your child matures, a godparent’s lack of faithfulness to the Church’s teachings and morals will become an obstacle in teaching your child the faith, instead of an aide.

Several years ago, we asked siblings and their spouses to be our twin sons’ godparents. The couples attended Church sporadically, but were good people. Many years later, we regret this decision. We’ve had to explain (charitably) that their godparents are wrong about many issues and that some of their example is not to be followed. We were shocked when one of the marriages ended and our son no longer has contact with his godfather. (This was the last marriage on earth that anyone would have expected to fail.)

The Church recognizes that many parents ask non-practicing siblings to be godparents and is taking steps to discourage it. When my husband became his niece’s godfather recently, our parish had to provide a statement that he is an active member of the parish and in good standing with the Church before the Baptism. When we requested this from the folks in the office, they said this is now routine.
 
My husband and I both don’t speak to our Godparents, as adults. One of the things we thought about with our own children is not just closeness, but behavior. I wish I could just ask the preist, pick a couple from out parish for us.
 
You may not serve as a sponsor in a Lutheran baptismal service. However, you may serve as a Christian witness to the baptism.

Also your in-laws can serve as Christian witnesses to your child’s baptism as long as a Catholic sponsor is included also.
 
my Goddaughter is Lutheran and i’m catholic. no problems from either church when i asked. both my priest and their minister were happy for me.
 
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riabia:
I just found out that my husband’s brother and his wife are planning to as my dh and I to be godparents for their baby. They are Lutheran, although not really practicing anything. Are there any issues with us being godparents for non-Catholics? My initial feeling is that, because neither of them are “fallen away” Catholics, and have no particular predjudices against the Catholic faith, that is shouldn’t be a problem, but I am looking for some thoughts or experiences from others.

My second issue is that I then feel somewhat obligated to have them as godparents, along with one of my Catholic sibs, for our next baby (due December).

I just don’t want there to be any hard feelings, as this is my dh twin brother and his only full sib (2 half sibs), and his bro’s wife is an only child.
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No, you cannot be a godparent to a non-Catholic, nor can a non-Catholic be a godparent to your child. Canon Law governs this and it is very clear on the rights, responsibilities, and requirements of Godparents. A non-Catholic can be a witness to a Catholic baptism, but not a godparent.
 
my husband was baptized Lutheran (Missouri Synod) and his nominally Catholic uncle was his godfather. My husband later converted to Catholicism when he was in grad school…though before he met me.
 
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1ke:
No, you cannot be a godparent to a non-Catholic, nor can a non-Catholic be a godparent to your child. Canon Law governs this and it is very clear on the rights, responsibilities, and requirements of Godparents. A non-Catholic can be a witness to a Catholic baptism, but not a godparent.
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um, so why am i a catholic with a lutheran Goddaughter…my priest said no problem, their minister said no problem… am i an illegitimate Godfather heathen?
could you cite exactly in canon law where this is stated?
thanks.
 
thechrsimyster, your Lutheran “godfather” was not a sponsor at the ceremony but only a witness. You may use the term godfather if you like but technically canon law uses the term sponsor. There is a difference between a sponsor and a Christian witness. The latter certainly can set a fine example of Christian living for the child but their role and duties are different than the sponsor.
 
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