Being a godparent

[emmanurse]

my SIL asked my CP and I to be godparents to the baby shes about to have, my CP automatically said yes for the both of us without asking me, now as an athiest and a lesbian I'm rather uncomfortable with this. Ive spoken with my CP about it and she understands why I feel the way I do.
My SIL lost her last baby in the 8th month of her pregnancy and so this one is very precious to her and the entire family.
Its just I have conflicting views, its an honour to be asked in the first place, I know shes asked us due to the role we played in helping her with her miscarriage, but i dont feel like I wold be able to stand up in a church and agree to help raise a child within a religion that I feel is wrong on lots of levels.

Any ideas?

[hester]

This comes up regularly on MN (without the lesbian angle) - you may get some good thoughts if you do a search on it.
Personally, I'm godparent to 3 children and have always agreed with the parents that the role is one of being a 'special adult friend' to the child. If they were expecting me to impart religious guidance, then obviously it would be a no-no. I'm happy to use the 'godparent' label - as are they - because it's in common parlance, it's the nearest thing to the role we're describing, and I don't really care if outsiders misunderstand. hth!
(Incidentally, I do take the responsibility very seriously, and feel very honoured to have a special relationship with 3 great kids.)

[wrighty2010]

Hi, I consider myself to be a christian and believe that god loves us for who we are and what we do for the people we love, and these days the role of the godparent is thopught of in many ways. I think you should just look at it as a chance to support both the baby and your friend. To know that you will be there for them if they needed help, advice, supoort, friendship. Being a lesbian wouldnt change that. Hope that helps, didnt want to patronise you. xx