Is it materially important for a potential Godparent to reveal to the parents that they are atheist? If the Godparent doesn't speak up and it is later discovered by the parents should they be upset, or let it go? Do the parents have any recourse to remove the Godparent from record?

Is it materially important for a potential Godparent to reveal to the parents that they are atheist? If the Godparent doesn't speak up and it is later discovered by the parents should they be upset, or let it go? Do the parents have any recourse to remove the Godparent from record?

I’m trying to wrap my mind around this one. How could it be possible that the parents not know that the potential Godparent is an atheist? If you are the potential Godparent (atheist) I’m sure it’s not a moral objection that forces you to ask this question, but rather a wish to avoid a future family issue. If this be the case, tell the parents you aren’t able to be the Godparent. By doing so, you will not only be avoiding a huge future problem, but, more importantly, you will be avoiding another grave sin. I suggest, and I mean this very seriously with much charity, ask God, right now, to show you that He is real. Believe me, if you ask sincerely, He will shower you with proof of his existence.

The role of the godparent is to form the child in the faith should the parent die or apostatize. So someone who is an atheist would be gravely imprudent to choose, even if you just suspect it. We should never make the mistake of choosing to”honour” someone either family or friend by asking them to be a godparent when they would not be a help to the child spiritually. We should only choose good, upstanding practising Catholics. Will this person make sure that the child receives the sacraments should something happen to you? Make sure they go to good priests, live a good life, correct in charity should it be needed? Let’s also be prudent and pray for good godparents for our children.