Protestant Baptism

[augusztina]

My buddy, a good and faithful man, has been asked to be sponsor for an Anglican Baptism.

I wouldn't do it, but I need solid reason as to why. 

He figures at least the dude will be Baptized.


What says ya'll?

[Satori]

How can a Catholic instruct and exhort someone in the Anglican religion?

[glgas]

Tell the truth: The Catholic religion does not allows active participation in protestant liturgies, much less supervise someone's  education in Anglican faith. I have a guess, that even the Anglicans, at least the better ones, require Anglican sponsor

[califman831]

Tell him it would be wrong to participate in any event that is not truly christian, meaning Catholic.

[prostrateinawe]

The baptism will indeed be Christian.  Converts to Catholicism do not undergo a second baptism - unless their prior religious affiliation denies the divinity of Christ.

Thus, the baptism will be recognized by the Holy Roman Catholic Church.  It is not a sin to participate and certainly, you can make the pledge to pray for the child.  I would caution you to ask permission from your Pastor, he has the authority to allow it or not, as I understand it.

I hope that you agree that if the baptism is recognized, then the graces of baptism will necessarily flow to the child.  Moreover, the child at that moment will receive his/her vocation.  The child will be joined in baptism to the mystical body of Christ.  It is the first step in the hope for eternal salvation for that child.  It is with prayer and love that the Holy Mother Church will stand ready to welcome this child one day if the child indeed comes "home."  IMHO, it is fitting that you as a representative be there on behalf of the Church.  I wish that the Church would have representatives present at every Protestant baptism.

This is a much different issue that receiving the symbolic communion offered at Protestant services.  This sacrament, at least, will indeed be valid.