A-Z: General definitions: Godparents

Definition

Witnesses to a Christian baptism who promise to help the person baptised grow in understanding and obedience to God. When an infant is baptised the godparents make promises on the child's behalf, renouncing evil and making a confession of faith. They promise to pray for the child, be an example to them, care for them and help them to take their place in the church. Godparents must themselves be baptised. In the Middle Ages the bond between godparents and godchildren was considered as close as a blood relationship.

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