Who can be a sponsor at a Catholic baptism? Can a Catholic be a sponsor at a non-Catholic baptism?
First, a sponsor is not required for a baptism, but it is normative to have one. In fact, in an emergency, anyone can baptize, even a lay person or non-Catholic. Assuming it is an emergency, as long as he has a little water, says the right words — “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit” — intends to baptize, and the recipient genuinely wishes to be baptized, then it is a valid baptism. But to your question: If there is a sponsor, the sponsor should be a practicing Catholic who is in “good standing” with the Church. That is, he is, himself, baptized and confirmed. It is irregular to have a non-Catholic sponsor, or a sponsor who is not a practicing Catholic, though both of these situations are sometimes allowed as long as there is one other legitimate sponsor. Traditionally, sponsors (or “godparents”) act as assistants to the biological parents in the spiritual upbringing of the child, and can act as role models or someone that the child can go
Good question! If this is in regard to an infant baptism, there are usually two sponsors. If there are two, one of them has to be a baptized, confirmed Catholic who is active in their church. The second sponsor can be of any religion (Jewish, Protestant, Islam) or they can be atheist (but the Catholic Church would discourage an atheist sponsor, naturally). Since the Second Vatican Council, the Church has become more lax in its requirements for Baptismal sponsors. If an adult is to be baptized into the Catholic Church (meaning they have gone through the RCIA (Right of Christian Initiation for Adults)), there is usually only one Catholic sponsor. Occasionally there is a non-Catholic sponsor of another Christian faith, but it is rare. I am not 100% sure of the answer to a Catholic sponsor in non-Catholic baptism, but I a pretty sure that it is allowed.
Only catholics can sponsor at a catholic baptism. This is so the religion can continue to propagate itself. I was best friends to a recent convert for 17 years, since we were little. She has three children who I fully expected to raise should anything happen. She adopted the religion to make her husband’s family (who she despises) happy. I was not allowed to be godmother. I still have a hard time with this since no one outside of her immediate family loves those kids more than I do! Religion has done so much to ruin my relationships I can hardly stand it!
