Non-catholic Godparents

[immaculata]

When I was baptized, my parents had no Catholic friends. For my godfather, they picked a neighbor of ours who is Luthern.

Is that permissible by the Church? Could I ask someone else to be my godfather now?

[cappie]

The Code of Canon Law states:

Can 872: In so far as possible, a person being baptised is to be assigned a sponsor. In the case of an infant baptism, the role is together with thw parents to present the child for baptism, and to help it to live a christian life befitting the baptised and faithfully to fulfil the duties inherent in baptism.

Can 874:#1 To be admitted to the office of sponsor a person must:

1~ Be appointed by the parents of the infant or whover stands in their place, or failing these, by the parish priest or minister; to be appointed the person must be suitable to this role and have the intention of fulfiling it.

2~ be not less than 16 years of age, unless a different age has been stipulated by the diocesan Bishop, or unless the parish priest or the minister considers that there is a just reason for an exception to be made.

3~ be a catholic who has been confirmed and has received the blessed Eucharist and who lives a life of faith which befits the role to be undertaken.

4~ not labour under a canonical penalty.

5~ not be either the father or mother of the person to be baptised.

#2 A baptised person who belongs to a non-catholic ecclesial community may be admitted only in company with a catholic sponsor, and then simply as a witness to the baptism.

I would suggest you speak if possible to the Chancellor of your local diocese or your local parish priest.