Expert: Brad Varvil - 6/8/2009

Question
I am currently a practicing Catholic but am looking at the Lutheran religion since it is closely related. My question is; "when baptizing your infant do you need someone of the Lutheran faith as godparents? The Catholic religion insists at least one godparent has to be practicing." We have no more relatives that are practicing catholics that we'd feel best suit as godparents. Thank you for taking the time to answer my question.

Answer
Dear Patti,

The similarities between Lutheran and Roman expressions of the Christian religion reflect our common history and catholicity.  This is certainly true regarding Baptism, as well.

We usually ask that someone who is to be godparent or sponsor for the young child, also be baptized, because that person(s) is taking a solemn oath to help nurture the child in the Christian faith.  This is why Roman Catholics and Lutherans usually expect that godparents be people of faith, and ready to help the child grow throughout their lives... especially if something were to happen to the parents.

There is no canon law for this among Lutherans, as there might be for Romans, but the principle is very similar.  Godparents should be ready and willing to serve as spiritual parents to the child.  Of course, godparents are not required for baptism... they are just a long standing tradition the Church has found to be of great value to Her young people.

Grace and peace be with you!
Rev. Brad