from what I remember ,from being catholic schooled, and from my experiences at the church, they are supposed to be of the catholic faith , I know for a fact that they do not have to be married, they don't even have to know each other very well. mine lived on different ends of the earth.

From the Code of Canon Law (1983), the law of the Catholic Church (Latin Rite): "Canon 872 ...In the case of an infant baptism, the role [of godparent] is together with the parents to present the child for baptism, and to help it to live a Christian life befitting the baptized and faithfully to fulfill the duties inherent in baptism. "Canon 873 One godparent, male or female, is sufficient; but there may be two, one of each sex. "Canon 874.1 To be admitted to undertake the office of godparent, a person must: "1) be appointed by the candidate for baptism, or by the parents or whoever stands in their place, or failing these, by the parish priest [pastor] or the minister; to be appointed the person must be suitable for this role and have the intention of fulfilling it; "2) not be be less than sixteen years of age, unless a different age has been stipulated by the diocesan Bishop, or unless the parish priest [pastor] 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 Most Holy Sacrament of the Eucharist, and who lives a life of faith which befits the role to be undertaken; "4) not labor under a canonical penalty, whether imposed or declared; "5) not be either the father or the mother of the person to be baptized. "2. A baptized person who belongs to a non-Catholic ecclesial community [a.k.a. Protestant church] may be admitted only in company with a Catholic godparent, and then simply as a witness to the baptism." The only exception to the godparents being Catholic is the allowance of an Eastern Orthodox godparent for a Catholic baptism, as stated in the Directory for the Application of Principles and Norms on Ecumenism (1993): "Because of the close communion between the Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Churches, it is permissible for a just cause for an Eastern faithful to act as godparent; together with a Catholic godparent, at the baptism of a Catholic infant or adult, so long as there is provision for the Catholic education of the person being baptized, and it is clear that the godparent is a suitable one." (98b; http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/chrstuni/general-docs/rc_pc_chrstuni_doc_19930325_directory_en.html) Incidentally, Catholic law allows a Catholic to serve as a witness for a Protestant baptism or as a godparent for an Orthodox baptism, provided those churches allow it.

One godparent must be Catholic. Technically, this person should also be a devout Catholic, someone who practices their faith and is in good standing with the Church. However, I've known some priests who allow "less active" members of the Church act as godparents. I would recommend choosing someone who will take this role in your child's life seriously. Someone who you believe will help them to grow in their faith and be involved with them throughout their life. Furthermore, the godparents need not be married. But one male and one female is the standard if there will be two godparents. A non-Catholic can fill one of these roles, but will officially be considered a "witness", not a godparent.

Baptism is an outward symbol of an inward commitment towards God, it does nothing to save you in and of itself. A baby cannot be baptised as it is not conscious of its doings, a baby can only committed by it's parents, promising to raise their child in a christian manner. And if the baby, when it is grown, wants to show that s/he is ready to follow the teachings of Jesus and live through God, that person can choose to show that internal commitment by being baptised. Works are a product of one's undying faith in God, not the other way around.

I'm an atheist who hasn't been baptised, but my best friends have asked me to be the god mother of their first born, I have taken this on as a great honor. I have been to church alot and have studied religion of most faith's in depth. I endevour to teach my friends son the belief of their choosing to the best of my ability. The problem is I've recently been informed that I may not be able to fulfill my duties as a godparent because I wasn't baptised!! - Is this the truth and is this really relevant when I do love and care for this child as if he where my own and will vow to enforce the teachings of whichever denomination of the church he's parents abide by....?

Hi, If a catholic male called John is godfather to a catholic female Emily(baptized 8 years ago) and John decides to become apart of the "Church of Christ" denomination is John still the godfather of Emily? Does John have to notify Emily's parents he is no longer catholic?

A very good answer has already been given by gsmisek: http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/16530 You don't have to be married to be a godparent. Catholic godparents have to be Catholics, but nowadays, in many places, it will only be verified that they have had a Catholic baptism and they will have to state that they intend to help the godchild for their religious education. Of course, if you were known personally by the priest as a notorious atheist or Muslim, you could have some problem to pretend being a Catholic, even with a baptism certificate. Some people don't have an "appropriate" Catholic godparent and could use a Catholic acquaintance to be there for the baptism, but would use another person (such as a close relative) for playing the role of the real godparent - which means for many people just giving help and presents.