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Original poster

To laugh at the request to be godparents

354 replies

Woollypullover · 05/10/2024 12:57

My friend's daughter, who we've been very close to throughout her life, has asked me and DH to be her baby's godparents.

We're both atheists and of course, therefore, didn't have our own DC christened.

She knows all of this, but still asked.

AIBU to think this is a ridiculous request?

OP posts:
heldinadream · 05/10/2024 13:01

To laugh at this would be horrible.
You can ask them what in fact their expectations of godparents are, it might turn out to be a non-religious role to them that they are just using the word for.
Or you can politely decline, thanking them for asking you and saying that you're touched by the thought that they would presumably value you in their child's life.
But don't laugh. Please.

Commonsense22 · 05/10/2024 13:01

It's not because they value your friendship, bit you're absolutely right not to take the spiritual commitment lightly and the right thing would be to tell them you're happy to be honorary godparents but not take vows of faith.
That would be dishonest and disrespectful to the church.

FionnulaTheCooler · 05/10/2024 13:00

You can decline graciously saying that religion isn't your thing but to laugh is just rude. She obviously has respect for you and thinks you would be a positive influence on her child's life to have asked you and it seems churlish to make a mockery of her beliefs.

Shopgirl2 · 05/10/2024 13:00

It's not really a religious thing anymore, just the name has stuck. What it means is, will you value their baby, want to see them, be there for them. Nothing to laugh at.

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