godchildren

Godchildren are the children for whom a person, called a godparent, serves as a sponsor and mentor in the context of a religious rite, most commonly baptism. The term denotes a person who undertakes to support the child's spiritual upbringing and to encourage faith, often alongside the child's parents. In many Christian traditions, the godparent makes public promises during the baptism ceremony to assist in teaching the child about faith and to be a Christian role model. In Catholic practice, at least one sponsor is required; sponsors are typically baptized and often confirmed members of the Roman Catholic Church, though rules vary by jurisdiction. In other denominations such as Anglicanism, Lutheranism, and some Protestant churches, godparents may have similar responsibilities, but the formal requirements and expectations differ.

The role of a godparent is cultural as well as religious and can extend beyond baptism. In many families, godparents are chosen for personal, moral, and supportive reasons, and they may maintain a lifelong relationship with the child, offering guidance, advice, and celebration of rites of passage. In modern contexts, the term is sometimes used more loosely to refer to close adult mentors rather than formal sponsors, especially in secular settings where there is no religious ceremony involved.

Legally, godparents generally do not have formal parental rights or duties unless established by separate legal arrangements. The concept and duties of godchildren vary across cultures and denominations, reflecting a spectrum from strictly religious sponsorship to broad social mentorship.