Expert: Scott Talbot - 8/11/2008

Question
hi scott talbot,
i have a question about whether or not my greek orthodox friend can be the godmother of my to be born catholic child.i have asked her to be and she gladfully accepted but because she is greek orthdox and i am not does this mean she cannot be the god mother to my child?

Answer
Hi Tiffany,

It's nice to hear from you.

The Bible does not provide any guidelines on such things. In fact, it mentions nothing about child baptism or godparents. I can offer some thoughts, but understand that these are my personal thoughts.

Ask yourself what is the reason for your wanting to appoint a godmother. Is it to have another adult who can act as a model and guide to your child? Is it to choose who would rear your child should you and your husband die while your child is still young?

If this is part of your reasoning, then you would certainly want to consider the spiritual guidance that this person would provide for your child. This is the most important thing. Would this person support your efforts to rear your child to love God the way you would?

The most important thing in life is to engage in a personal relationship with the God of the universe. This is what Jesus referred to as being "born again." (See John 3:1-21, Romans 10:9-13.) Once beginning a personal relationship with God and being adopted into His family, it's important to grow spiritually. This involves regular interaction with God through prayer and the reading of the Bible, fellowshipping with other believers in a church that teaches and practices the Bible, sharing your faith, serving others, and living according to God's principles. These things have nothing to do with one's salvation (see Ephesians 2:8-9, Titus 3:5). Rather, they are the things we do after we have "crossed over from death to life" (John 5:24)--things that lead to the abundant life God desires for each of us (John 10:10).

So, if this is what is most important for you and me, this is also what's most important for your child. Therefore, you're role as a parent should include helping your child to enter into this personal relationship with God and to enjoy life with God. And the role of a godparent should be the same. That person should share similar objectives and hold as a priority the spiritual well-being of your child.

Is this true of your friend?

Scott