Christening

[MamaT1992]

I would like to have some kind of Christening blessing for my DC but neither my husband nor I are particularly religious (I do have beliefs more than him but we don't go to church, pray etc). But for some reason I feel it's important to me, and I would also like to give my DC godparents or something similar. Am I being a hypocrite wanting to do that when I don't go to church regularly? Thanks

It’s a beautiful thing to do. I’ve recently connected with my local church after coming to faith and plan to have my children christened/baptised too. I will be baptised with the children but for me, I’m acknowledging that I want to follow Christ. Jesus transformed my life so its part of the journey with Him. For the children, it’s a blessing and not a commitment. That’s why the parents are usually believers because it’s understanding what Christ did for us, and saying we want our children to follow in His footsteps.

No you’re not a hypocrite. The church will be happy to welcome your children into the religion.
If they don’t agree with it they can change when old enough.

I wouldn’t. I was christened as a baby and am now on the register as a church member although I am not, never have been and never will be a Christian.

Getting deleted is all but impossible. Does it matter? Well yes as these numbers are used to justify the church having a disproportionate say in the laws of this land.

@Elphame your name will be in the baptismal register. But unless you are a regular member or on the electoral roll if a particular church. Then there is no 'register of members as such.

When you have a baby christened, you and godparents promise to bring it up in the faith of the church. That obviously means different things to different people. Most churches are quite relaxed - we would ask you to come to one service prior to the christening and after that a meeting to talk about baptism and the alternative of dedication/thanksgiving. If you want to go ahead, you can find your local parish church on a website called A Church Near You and that will give you the contact details. Lots of churches are still meeting on line and presently lots of events like christenings are capped for numbers, but hopefully that will change in the summer.

I would only do it if you're planning on bringing your child up with faith. If not then I don't see the point, and I'm a practising Catholic myself.

Both my dd's are christened because they have been brought up in the Catholic faith.
If I wasn't religious when I wouldn't think about having my children baptised.
Why don't you have a naming ceremony?

I would only do it if you are willing to stand by the vows you take. If you are planning on attending church, teaching your child about Jesus and and being involved in the church family then go ahead but if you aren’t then it’s a huge celebration for nothing really!

A

I can't tell from the OP whether you are a Christian or not. You don't have to go to church to be a Christian as far as I know, so if you are a Christian wanting your children christened there's nothing unusual about that. If you aren't actually a Christian but you do want your children christened, well yes it's a bit odd, but you aren't hurting anyone are you, so crack on if you really feel the need.