Anglican / Episcopal Baptism as a Godparent

Local variation

Anglican and Episcopal godparent practice is less procedurally elaborate than Catholic practice. The specifics on this page describe typical US TEC and ACNA practice; the priest or rector at the parish where the baptism will take place is the right source for the local requirements.

Show details Hide details

The 1979 BCP (TEC) and the 2019 BCP (ACNA) both refer to godparents as "sponsors." The principal eligibility requirement is that the sponsor be a baptized Christian. Unlike Catholic practice, Anglican / Episcopal sponsors are not required to have been confirmed, and baptized non-Anglican Christians may serve.

The priest or rector at the parish can confirm:

Whether the parish expects two or three sponsors (both are common)
Whether the parish requires sponsors to attend the baptism preparation conversation
The parish’s practice on non-Anglican sponsors
Customs around what the sponsor provides (a small gift; in some parishes a candle or other token)

This page also draws partly on secondary summaries of the 2019 ACNA BCP; the rector at any ACNA parish is the authoritative source for the local practice.

01 Before you say yes

The 1979 BCP (TEC) and the 2019 BCP (ACNA) both refer to godparents as "sponsors." The principal eligibility requirement is that the sponsor be a baptized Christian and a responsible adult. Unlike Catholic practice, Anglican and Episcopal sponsors are not required to have been confirmed, and baptized non-Anglican Christians may serve.

Two or three sponsors is typical. The parish sets the specific custom; some use one godfather and one godmother, some use two of the same gender, some use three sponsors in total. The priest at the parish is the source for the local practice.

02 Preparation

Anglican and Episcopal baptism preparation is typically lighter than its Catholic equivalent: a meeting with the priest, often shared between parents and sponsors, covering the meaning of baptism, the responsibilities of sponsorship, and the practical logistics of the day. Some larger parishes hold a structured preparation class; many do not.

Where the sponsor lives at a distance and cannot attend the in-person preparation, parishes commonly accept written or remote alternatives. The priest is the source for what the local parish requires.

03 The day of the baptism

Anglican and Episcopal baptisms are normally celebrated at the principal Sunday Eucharist, often timed to a major feast day (the Easter Vigil, Pentecost, All Saints' Day, or the Baptism of Our Lord). The sponsor stands with the parents and the child near the baptismal font.

The rite includes the Presentation and Examination of the Candidates (the sponsors present the child for baptism, alongside the parents), the Baptismal Covenant (a series of questions and answers by which the candidates, sponsors, and gathered congregation affirm the Christian faith; the priest leads each response), the Thanksgiving over the Water, and the baptism itself (typically by pouring water over the child's head three times while the priest pronounces the Trinitarian formula). After the baptism, the priest may mark the newly baptized with chrism. The sponsor's role through the rite is to respond alongside the parents and the congregation.

After the rite, the sponsor signs the parish baptismal register. A small gift from the sponsor to the child is conventional; a children's Bible, a cross, or a baptismal candle is typical.

04 After the baptism

The 1979 BCP rubric expects the sponsor to undertake to see that the child is brought up in the Christian faith and life. This is understood as a lifelong commitment, expressed in the relationship the sponsor and godchild build across the years.

Many sponsors mark later milestones in the godchild's life (birthdays, the godchild's confirmation, the godchild's marriage) with cards, gifts, or attendance.

05 The reception

Many families celebrate the baptism with a coffee hour at the parish following the service and a private family meal afterward. The sponsor is normally invited to both. There is no liturgical convention for the reception.

06 Common questions

Does the sponsor need to be Anglican or Episcopal?

No. Baptized non-Anglican Christians may serve as sponsors. The 1979 BCP requires that sponsors be baptized Christians who are themselves responsible adults; specific denominational background is not required. ACNA practice is similar though varies by diocese.

Does the sponsor need to have been confirmed?

No. Unlike Catholic practice, Anglican and Episcopal sponsors are not required to have been confirmed. Baptism is the principal eligibility requirement. Most parishes also want the sponsor to be active in the Christian faith and capable of supporting the child’s Christian upbringing.

How many sponsors are needed?

Practice varies. Two or three sponsors is typical. The 1979 BCP rubric does not specify a fixed number; parishes set their own custom. Some parishes use one godfather and one godmother; some use two godparents of the same gender; some use three sponsors in total. The priest at the parish is the source for the local custom.

What does the sponsor do at the rite?

The sponsor presents the candidate alongside the parents, responds to the Baptismal Covenant on the child’s behalf (the priest leads the responses; no memorization is required), holds the candle in some parishes, and signs the parish baptismal register after the rite. The Baptismal Covenant is also affirmed by the gathered congregation, so the sponsor is responding alongside the wider church.

How long does the godparent relationship continue?

The 1979 BCP rubric expects the sponsor to undertake to "see that the child you present is brought up in the Christian faith and life." This is understood as a lifelong commitment, expressed across the godchild’s years through prayer, presence at sacramental moments, and support of the godchild’s Christian formation.

07 Pastoral note

Last reviewed against primary sources: May 17, 2026