Finnish church approves baptisms without godparents in exceptional cases

The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland has decided that a baptism may be held without godparents in compelling circumstances, with the parish rector’s approval, Yle reported.

The Church Council also approved removing the limit on the number of godparents. Until now, up to two godparents could be added to a church member’s record after baptism.

The council’s committee said it would still be best for every person being baptised to have a godparent. It stressed that godparents remain important, but that an exception should be possible when none can be found. The committee consulted researchers and partner churches about their baptism and godparent practices.

The Church Council is the church’s highest decision-making body. The changes to the church order will next be prepared by the Church Council’s administration, and no timetable has yet been set.