Godparents play an important role in the sacrament of baptism, making serious promises and affirmations on behalf of their godchild. Being chosen as a godparent should be regarded as an honour and at the very least they are expected to pray regularly the child, set a good example, take a keen interest in him/her and generally be regarded as a friend.

The canons of the Church of England state that there must be at least three godparents, of whom at least two shall be of the same sex as the child and one of the opposite sex. If necessity requires it then one godmother and one godfather will suffice. Parents can be godparents provided that there is at least one other.

Godparents must themselves be baptised.