Q&A Home > B > Baptism

Can my son have his child baptized in the Coptic Church? My son was baptized in the Coptic Church and his wife in the Roman Catholic Church. My daughter-in-law wants godparents for the child. What are the requirements if the answer is, “Yes”? They were not married in the Catholic Church not the Coptic Church.

Because your son was not married in the Coptic Orthodox Church but was rather married in a church of a different denomination, he is not allowed to partake of the Holy Mysteries, and neither is his spouse. The parents need to decide and make a commitment as to how and where they intend to raise their children. The best choice is obviously that they become members of the Coptic Orthodox Church and raise their children in the Church together as a family as well. Your son may contact the churches near his residence and they can provide classes for your daughter-in-law to learn more about the Church. There are major differences in doctrine between the Coptic Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches. Bear in mind, the Roman Catholic Churches allow only Roman Catholics to partake of their Holy Sacraments as well. The only difference is that often they do not know their congregations well, so people sometimes assume that we are just more rigid and all the other denominations are lenient and convenient. In reality, that is not the case. If the parents choose to have their child baptized in the Coptic Orthodox Church, but decide not to be part of the Church, they must commit to raising the child as Coptic Orthodox, and choose serious godparents that adhere to our doctrine and promise to reinforce our Church teachings to the child. Frankly, what is the purpose of having the child baptized in the Church, but only practice the faith in fragments? Holy Baptism is the first Holy Mystery onto the path of salvation. It is not the only or final step. One must live and practice this faith, too. It is strongly advised that the parents do not try to blur the distinction between the two churches that will undoubtedly result in the proven failing method of raising their children in a dual religion. This will cause more confusion and a tendency to abandon both when they get older.

"Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you" (1 Timothy 4:16).