Being asked to be a godparent is often seen as a significant honor and a testament to a close bond between people. However, what happens when the godparent holds different beliefs from the religious expectations associated with the role?
They’re Atheists
Emma identifies as an atheist, as does her husband.
They have chosen not to baptize their own children and have been open about their lack of religious beliefs.
She Was a Godmother for Several Children
Despite this, Emma has become a godmother to four children from three different couples who are aware of her atheism.
Baptizing Was a Tradition
In Emma’s country, baptizing children is a tradition, even for non-religious people.
She Made Her Involvement Clear
Emma made it clear to each couple that her involvement as a godmother would be limited to the baptism ceremony and would not extend to religious teachings or practices as she doesn’t believe in them.
Her SIL Wanted Her to Be the Godmother
A year ago, Emma’s sister-in-law asked her to be the godmother of her nephew.
Emma’s Stance on Religious Activities
Emma reiterated her stance on not participating in religious activities beyond the baptism ceremony, and her SIL seemed to accept this condition.
The Story Took a Turn
However, things took a turn during Easter when her SIL expected her to attend an overnight Easter service.
Arguing About Godmother’s Responsibility
She was arguing that it was the godmother’s responsibility to support her godson.
She Explained Her Reasons
She declined and explained that attending the service conflicted with her sleeping hours and did not align with her beliefs.
Offers to Help in Emergency
She told her if there was an emergency, she would happily help with her nephew as they were family.
Her SIL Accused Her of Disrespecting Her Faith
However, things turned ugly when her SIL told her that she should not have agreed to become a godmother if she didn’t support her godson in his religious upbringing.
She Was Hurt
Emma was taken aback by what she said and felt bad about the situation.
Not Letting Go
Months passed, but her SIL wouldn’t let it go.
Her Relatives Also Accused Her
Plus, some of Emma’s relatives accuse her of wrongfully baptizing her nephew if she was an atheist.
She Felt Bad
Although her SIL knew about this in advance, Emma is now wondering whether she was wrong.
You Made It Clear
She took to Reddit to ask for opinions, and several Redditors said that she was not wrong.
Not Your Responsibility
One Reddit user wrote, “You’re not religious. You made that clear to her. You also made it clear to her that you wouldn’t be involved in any religious ceremonies. If she chose to ignore that or hoped that you’d change your mind, then that’s on her not you.”
It’s Not Impossible
Another Redditor commented, “I’m an atheist godfather, and consider it my job to protect her from religion. I’ve done an outstanding job, if I do say so myself.”
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The post Atheist Refuses to Go to Church, Fair Enough! So Why Did She Agree to Be ‘Godmother?’ first appeared on Wealthy Living.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Dean Drobot. The people shown in the images are for illustrative purposes only, not the actual people featured in the story.
This post is based on Reddit but the names have been changed.