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Sponsor (at Baptism)
A baptized Christian who presents a candidate for baptism, thereby endorsing the candidate and signifying an intention to support the new Christian by prayer and example. Each candidate for baptism is to have one or more baptized sponsors. There is no longer a requirement for a particular number of sponsors, nor is there a requirement concerning their gender. Sponsors may present the candidate by name to the celebrant or to an assisting priest or deacon at the time of baptism. A sponsor of an infant or younger child is known as a godparent. The BCP notes that it is "fitting" that parents be included among the godparents of their children. The BCP emphasizes the seriousness and importance of the sponsors' responsibilities. (pp. 298, 301-303). Parents and godparents make promises in their own names and in the name of the candidate. They speak for the candidate in the renunciation of Satan, the evil powers of this world, and all sinful desires; and they promise that the candidate will turn to Christ, trust in Christ, and follow Christ. They are to be involved in helping the new Christian grow in the knowledge and love of God and fulfill the responsibilities of a church member. They also promise to help the child grow into the full stature of Christ by their prayers and witness. Parents and godparents are to be instructed in the meaning of baptism and their responsibilities. At the baptismal eucharist the sponsors may appropriately read the lessons preceding the gospel, read the Prayers for the Candidates, and present the oblations of bread and wine.
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Glossary definitions provided courtesy of Church Publishing Incorporated, New York, NY,(All Rights reserved) from "An Episcopal Dictionary of the Church, A User Friendly Reference for Episcopalians," Don S. Armentrout and Robert Boak Slocum, editors. |
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