Christening Dilemma

[godparentdilemma]

I really want to have my baby Christened, she's almost 8 months old.

But I find myself delaying it because I don't have anyone I can ask to be Godparents. One of my siblings is very atheist and went off on a rant when I said I wanted to get them Christened, the other is not very interested in my baby and hates children in general. I potentially have one friend I could ask but I wouldn't really want her husband to be Godfather. Aside from that, I don't have anyone to ask. DH doesn't have much family, and we don't have lots of close friends. We have a lot of distant relatives and people we know in a somewhat professional capacity who we would invite to the Christening though.

I know that the church (CoE) would potentially appoint people to act as Godparents, but I wouldn't be happy with strangers being my baby's Godparents.

I feel like I will be embarrassed at the service, most Christenings I've been to people have 4+ people, everyone will know I don't have anyone close to me. AIBU to feel worried about this? Has anyone else with a small circle had their children Christened and how was it?

One is enough, you don’t need any more than that unless you want to.

It's traditional to have three, two of the same sex as the baby and one the other sex BUT also traditionally the baby's parents are two of those three so you only need one more, of the baby's sex. So thats your friend. Job done!

I work in the Church of England and although we allow as many 'godparents' as the parents want to stand up, make the vows, and we give them all godparent cards, only three can go on the 'official' baptism register. And for myself, I alerts think it looks a bit naff when there's more than about 4. I think your way wouldn't be embarrassing at all. If anyone asks you can say you decided to go traditional.

Have you grown close with any of the congregation of the church you and your baby attend?

We don’t actually attend church currently. So I know it may seem silly to some that I want her Christened, I have a pretty strong faith but don’t feel the need to attend church weekly.

i have some friends from baby groups and DH has some from work and a hobby but they’re not really true friends, moreso friendly acquaintances, so it seems too much to ask any of them, DH doesn’t have any close friends, we’re kind of loners really!

Do you plan to bring your child up as a Christian? If so, then why not just have the baby christened during a normal service? It's just a quick few minutes at the front and then the whole congregation welcomes them into the church.

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Why would you want 4+? Two is enough. The point is for them to have a special bond with your child, to be there for them and to give them spiritual guidance. Your friend plus your DHs chosen relative. Job done.

My husband was christened in the CofE and he didn't have specific godparents, but it was done in a normal church service. I think his baptism certificate says something like "parish of X church" next to "godparents".

My children all had a godparent who had grown up as a Christian ( was christened) and a sponsor who was a friend who was not Christian but who would support them in life ( different people in each child's case), that's allowed in CofE.i'm my nephew's godmother so it can be a family member, they dont have to be close and serve no legal responsibility ( many people think they will become guardians if something happens to the parents, they won't). It's supposed to be someone who has your child's best interests at heart and can provide them with moral or religious guidance and support if the need it in life ( although for many the latter bit doesn't really happen these days). Choose a relative or non christian friend/ someone you know cares about your child.

If you have strong faith and want to bring your child up in the faith then maybe go to the church and find out who's the people you want there who show an interest in helping your child learn about the faith?

Talk to the vicar. She/he has sorted things like this before.