Can you have 6 god parents in C of E?

[IWantThisSoMuch]

So after 15 years we are finally pregnant. Over this time lots of lovely family and friends have made us god parents. It’s also taken a lot of support for us to get to this point from friends. We are only ever having one baby, and we can’t narrow it down from 6 people, and that’s choosing one from each couple.

would this be allowed to have 6? 3 women and 3 men?

I have! My 3 uncles and my mums 3 friends. Grandad was the vicar so guess he knew what he was doing!

Thanks @HcbSS that’s good to hear. I wasn’t sure if there was an absolute rule or it depended on the vicar etc.

Just make sure you tell them very clearly at the time when you are asking them that they will be one of six. It may make some people feel differently about it.
Give them a realistic opportunity to say no, as well, making it clear that you won’t cool the friendship if they don’t want to do it.

Traditionally godparent is not a role that’s supposed to be about the parents’ relationship with the adult/s. It’s about nominating another set of two adults who are supposed to be building a lifelong special relationship to the child. It’s not meant to be like in a wedding when the couple ask the group of their same sex friends they like best to be their bridesmaids/ushers.

I think there is a common sense limit (as in you couldn’t ask the whole village). 🤣🤣

Every child should have at least three godparents, two of the same sex and at least one of the opposite sex to your child. Although there is no official maximum number of godparents, three or four is usual. If you’d like more than that, talk to your vicar about the practicalities and they’ll be pleased to advise.

https://www.churchofengland.org/life-events/christenings/parents-guide-christenings/choosing-godparents

Our children had 5. I am quite sure 6 wouldn't have been an issue.

6 sounds OTT and minimizes the special relationship they have with the child.
Can’t they just be treasured family friends?

And OP ‘We are pregnant’ is awful. The woman carrying the child is the only pregnant person. Sorry ….

Congratulations. I had six godparents and loved that I did. It didn't make it any less special.

Knowing the CofE it'll be up to the vicar. Mine two have four each - 2 male & 2 female. One of DD1's ones wasn't christened himself so we asked another close friend too but the vicar was fine with it. In fact delighted that we wanted our children christened at all

Just check with your vicar about rules for godparents. My daughter has 3, one had to be confirmed and the others baptised themselves.