What's a nice way to say..."I'm not Catholic"?

bunnymama625 · January 2011

DH's family is Catholic- some practicing, most not. I'm Baptist, and DH doesn't really belong to anything, but says when we move (3 months!), he thinks we should find a Baptist church together and raise the baby one religion. (His choice- out of the blue- I didn't suggest)

Soon after we announced we were preg, BIL asked to be the godfather. DH brushed it off by saying "little early for that kind of thing"- when he told my MIL, kind of as a "guess what he said already"- she said "well of course he will be!".

Now, we aren't Catholic, there won't be a christening, and we won't have "godparents". DH is an avoider, and says we shouldn't say anything-- they'll get the hint when we don't have one. I really don't want to hurt his brother's (or mother's) feelings, and feel like we should probably mention it before the baby gets here.

What's a nice way to say "if we were catholic you would be the godfather....but we aren't"?

Pythia1022 · January 2011

elisamariaortiz:
DH's family is Catholic- some practicing, most not. I'm Baptist, and DH doesn't really belong to anything, but says when we move (3 months!), he thinks we should find a Baptist church together and raise the baby one religion. (His choice- out of the blue- I didn't suggest)
Soon after we announced we were preg, BIL asked to be the godfather. DH brushed it off by saying "little early for that kind of thing"- when he told my MIL, kind of as a "guess what he said already"- she said "well of course he will be!".
Now, we aren't Catholic, there won't be a christening, and we won't have "godparents". DH is an avoider, and says we shouldn't say anything-- they'll get the hint when we don't have one. I really don't want to hurt his brother's (or mother's) feelings, and feel like we should probably mention it before the baby gets here.
What's a nice way to say "if we were catholic you would be the godfather....but we aren't"?

Do Baptists not get baptized? Perhaps there would be some way to include his family in your religion?

Yellow_Daisy · January 2011

Why not just say you're not catholic and have decided to raise the baby in the baptist religion. IMHO your ILs are being very presumptuous by assuming that you will raise your child catholic, it's really none of their business. That said until you tell them otherwise they will continue to assume you are raising the baby catholic. So rip off the band aid and just tell them, it isn't really a big deal.

Yellow_Daisy · January 2011

Pythia1022:
elisamariaortiz:
DH's family is Catholic- some practicing, most not. I'm Baptist, and DH doesn't really belong to anything, but says when we move (3 months!), he thinks we should find a Baptist church together and raise the baby one religion. (His choice- out of the blue- I didn't suggest)
Soon after we announced we were preg, BIL asked to be the godfather. DH brushed it off by saying "little early for that kind of thing"- when he told my MIL, kind of as a "guess what he said already"- she said "well of course he will be!".
Now, we aren't Catholic, there won't be a christening, and we won't have "godparents". DH is an avoider, and says we shouldn't say anything-- they'll get the hint when we don't have one. I really don't want to hurt his brother's (or mother's) feelings, and feel like we should probably mention it before the baby gets here.
What's a nice way to say "if we were catholic you would be the godfather....but we aren't"?
Do Baptists not get baptized? Perhaps there would be some way to include his family in your religion?

If I recall correctly they don't have godfathers and godmothers.

Pythia1022 · January 2011

Yellow_Daisy:
Pythia1022:
elisamariaortiz:
DH's family is Catholic- some practicing, most not. I'm Baptist, and DH doesn't really belong to anything, but says when we move (3 months!), he thinks we should find a Baptist church together and raise the baby one religion. (His choice- out of the blue- I didn't suggest)
Soon after we announced we were preg, BIL asked to be the godfather. DH brushed it off by saying "little early for that kind of thing"- when he told my MIL, kind of as a "guess what he said already"- she said "well of course he will be!".
Now, we aren't Catholic, there won't be a christening, and we won't have "godparents". DH is an avoider, and says we shouldn't say anything-- they'll get the hint when we don't have one. I really don't want to hurt his brother's (or mother's) feelings, and feel like we should probably mention it before the baby gets here.
What's a nice way to say "if we were catholic you would be the godfather....but we aren't"?
Do Baptists not get baptized? Perhaps there would be some way to include his family in your religion?
If I recall correctly they don't have godfathers and godmothers.

I guess my suggestion would be that if they do decide to baptize the baby as a Baptist, there has GOT to be some way that OP could allow the family to participate (if she wants to!) and that way it would be less of an issue that they aren't raising the baby Catholic. I know it would be hard on my family if I wasn't going to raise my baby the way they raised me (which also happens to be Catholic) but I know that if I somehow involved them, they'd at least feel reassured that my baby was getting some God.

kacelle · January 2011

DH and I are Baptist as well, and I was surprised when one of my good friends (also Baptist) asked to be the godmother. We have absolutely no intention of having godparents for our children, and I thought it was really presumptuous and rude for her to ask! I tried to brush it off, but she's been really persistent. I don't think she understands why we wouldn't just let her be the godmother if we weren't planning on having one anyway; she has a godmother who she's named after. She's not the kind of person I would want to be LO's godparent at all, but I know it'd hurt her feelings for me to tell her this. So this isn't just an issue for people with Catholic families!

urbanflowerpot · January 2011

I had no clue that godparents were considered strictly Catholic. I'm Christian (Presbyterian) and I had godparents at my baptism...I've also been a "godparent" to a couple children whose parents are Atheist/Agnostic, soOOOoo pretty sure the rules aren't rigid on this one! It's one thing if you don't want to have godparents, but if it's because you're "not Catholic" I don't think that matters.

KendraJoette · January 2011

I think it would be good for your husband to let his family know that you dont plan on raising the baby catholic, If they dont know it, it could cause a lot of drama, but as far as a nice way, you could just say, oh, we would love for you to be the Godfather, but since we will be raising the baby baptist, maybe you could be an unofficial Godfather.??

Good luck, Im guessing this one might cause a little family drama. However it turns out, as long as you and your DH are on the same page, dont feel obligated to do anything differently. It is your decision, not the rest of the family's.

Yellow_Daisy · January 2011

I guess I have never heard of having godparents unless you were catholic. I was baptized catholic and have godparents I have never met. That said my dh and I are agnostic, so maybe I am just out of the loop on this modern godparent thing.

Regardless I think it is rude for someone to assume 1) you will have godparents and 2) that they will be a godparent. You shouldn't have to justify your choices on how you raise your child to people, even family.

KendraJoette · January 2011

Pythia1022:
Yellow_Daisy:
Pythia1022:
elisamariaortiz:

DH's family is Catholic- some practicing, most not. I'm Baptist, and DH doesn't really belong to anything, but says when we move (3 months!), he thinks we should find a Baptist church together and raise the baby one religion. (His choice- out of the blue- I didn't suggest)

Soon after we announced we were preg, BIL asked to be the godfather. DH brushed it off by saying "little early for that kind of thing"- when he told my MIL, kind of as a "guess what he said already"- she said "well of course he will be!".

Now, we aren't Catholic, there won't be a christening, and we won't have "godparents". DH is an avoider, and says we shouldn't say anything-- they'll get the hint when we don't have one. I really don't want to hurt his brother's (or mother's) feelings, and feel like we should probably mention it before the baby gets here.

What's a nice way to say "if we were catholic you would be the godfather....but we aren't"?

Do Baptists not get baptized? Perhaps there would be some way to include his family in your religion?

If I recall correctly they don't have godfathers and godmothers.

I guess my suggestion would be that if they do decide to baptize the baby as a Baptist, there has GOT to be some way that OP could allow the family to participate (if she wants to!) and that way it would be less of an issue that they aren't raising the baby Catholic. I know it would be hard on my family if I wasn't going to raise my baby the way they raised me (which also happens to be Catholic) but I know that if I somehow involved them, they'd at least feel reassured that my baby was getting some God.

Baptist dont usually baptize people as babies, They beleive in baptism, but it is something they do when the child is older decides that it is their faith, but a lot of baptist churches do baby dedications, but like you said at least they might feel reassured that the baby will be raised in church if they are invited to the dedication. They can be a while after the baby is born though, like my 11 month old hasnt been dedicated yet, cause our church usually does it about once a year.

mellydawn84 · January 2011

urbanflowerpot:
I had no clue that godparents were considered strictly Catholic. I'm Christian (Presbyterian) and I had godparents at my baptism...I've also been a "godparent" to a couple children whose parents are Atheist/Agnostic, soOOOoo pretty sure the rules aren't rigid on this one! It's one thing if you don't want to have godparents, but if it's because you're "not Catholic" I don't think that matters.

I agree with this. I've known many people to be godparents and not be Catholic, nor are babies parents. To some people, it's just a nameplate, a 'we love you and want you to be involved in babies life'. I would be tempted to tell them you're not doing it in the church but you would like for his brother to be involved still (if you actually do want them involved).

justme04 · January 2011

My mother dealt with this when I was born. As I was the first grandchild to my father's parent who were pretty strict Catholics at the time. Being the first I did end up being christined so I have Godparents (even though I was eventually raised in the Methodist church). My sister however was baptized in the Methodist church with what are called Christian witnesses....which is basicly a godparent. So offer that position instead!

I mean a lot of faith systems have a "you are what your mother is" mentality. And outright saying that together you've decided to raise your child as a Baptist shouldn't step on anyones feet. It is you and your spouse's decision on how you want to raise your child...not anyone elses! So tell them your decision and stand strong.

chatty6176 · January 2011

KendraJoette:
Pythia1022:
Yellow_Daisy:
Pythia1022:
elisamariaortiz:

DH's family is Catholic- some practicing, most not. I'm Baptist, and DH doesn't really belong to anything, but says when we move (3 months!), he thinks we should find a Baptist church together and raise the baby one religion. (His choice- out of the blue- I didn't suggest)
Soon after we announced we were preg, BIL asked to be the godfather. DH brushed it off by saying "little early for that kind of thing"- when he told my MIL, kind of as a "guess what he said already"- she said "well of course he will be!".
Now, we aren't Catholic, there won't be a christening, and we won't have "godparents". DH is an avoider, and says we shouldn't say anything-- they'll get the hint when we don't have one. I really don't want to hurt his brother's (or mother's) feelings, and feel like we should probably mention it before the baby gets here.
What's a nice way to say "if we were catholic you would be the godfather....but we aren't"?
Do Baptists not get baptized? Perhaps there would be some way to include his family in your religion?
If I recall correctly they don't have godfathers and godmothers.
I guess my suggestion would be that if they do decide to baptize the baby as a Baptist, there has GOT to be some way that OP could allow the family to participate (if she wants to!) and that way it would be less of an issue that they aren't raising the baby Catholic. I know it would be hard on my family if I wasn't going to raise my baby the way they raised me (which also happens to be Catholic) but I know that if I somehow involved them, they'd at least feel reassured that my baby was getting some God.
Baptist dont usually baptize people as babies, They beleive in baptism, but it is something they do when the child is older decides that it is their faith, but a lot of baptist churches do baby dedications, but like you said at least they might feel reassured that the baby will be raised in church if they are invited to the dedication. They can be a while after the baby is born though, like my 11 month old hasnt been dedicated yet, cause our church usually does it about once a year.

This is what I was going to say...we do baby dedications...pretty much saying we will raise our kids teaching about God, etc. We don't do godparents. But you could do something like say (if you believe he would be a good guardian if something were to happen to you guys) that in the will the kid(s) would go to him. That's what we are doing with my brother and sister in law. They would be the legal guardians...kind of the same thing.....like PP said, just tell them your thoughts...it's your kid, you can raise him/her the way you want and don't feel guilty about it.

Mrs.Saxy · January 2011

MIL wanted DH and I to get married in a church. Then, after DS was born she bugged us about a christening. Well, DH and I told her, we don't go to church and don't see why a christening is necessary. She kept pressing the issue so we just said we think Catholicism and any religion is really just a joke. She left it alone finally.

urbanflowerpot · January 2011

mellydawn84:

urbanflowerpot:
I had no clue that godparents were considered strictly Catholic. I'm Christian (Presbyterian) and I had godparents at my baptism...I've also been a "godparent" to a couple children whose parents are Atheist/Agnostic, soOOOoo pretty sure the rules aren't rigid on this one! It's one thing if you don't want to have godparents, but if it's because you're "not Catholic" I don't think that matters.

I agree with this. I've known many people to be godparents and not be Catholic, nor are babies parents. To some people, it's just a nameplate, a 'we love you and want you to be involved in babies life'. I would be tempted to tell them you're not doing it in the church but you would like for his brother to be involved still (if you actually do want them involved).

Indeedy! Some of these arrangements were made with no church at all - no symoblic baptism for the nonchurch-goers I've known - they've just asked/given the title. We aren't planning to baptise (he will be raised Christian, then baptised when/if he choses) - nor hand out the title of godparents to anyone.

I think they put you in a very uncomfortable spot by asking...but then I don't know you or your family, so if it's tradition they may not feel out of line at all. Pretty sure you can get out of as much of this as you want with some delicate wording Smile GL!

hesperfect · January 2011

urbanflowerpot:
I had no clue that godparents were considered strictly Catholic. I'm Christian (Presbyterian) and I had godparents at my baptism...I've also been a "godparent" to a couple children whose parents are Atheist/Agnostic, soOOOoo pretty sure the rules aren't rigid on this one! It's one thing if you don't want to have godparents, but if it's because you're "not Catholic" I don't think that matters.

This! I had godparents and I am a godparent. My DD doesn't have godparents yet but I think we will discuss having godparents when DC is born. This is your decision not a religous decision.

mcwhittaker · January 2011

I'm gonna be honest with you here... I was raised catholic as a child and as an adult, i'm Pagan.

My advice to you here, Just because baptists don't have "god parents" doesn't mean you can't have god parents for your baby.

A god parent is supposed to be someone that helps your child with spiritual guidance as they grow up.

I imagine for most people, it's just a nice title they give someone they love or want to hold in esteem.

Would it really hurt your religious principles to appoint someone that role in your child's life?

Sometimes a little compromise prevents a lot of drama.

I've already told my mother her grand daughter is growing up a heathen just like her mother and father, she can deal with it however she wants. Smile

EJChapman123 · January 2011

Someone is always insulted in the godparent decision making....

FWIW - Godparents most certainly are not just a Catholic thing (many protestant religions, and heck, even some Jewish families designate "godparents").

Honestly, you should probably say you want them to be a huge part of your child's life, but you are not doing an infant baptism, and will not be designating any godparents.

Feathers will probably be ruffled, but there really is no dodging that, Im afraid...

musicamh · January 2011

I am a life long Army Baptist. So I have been to Baptist Churches all over the world. Many Baptist Churches what is called a Dedication of Life Ceremony. That is your choice. You are simply dedicating your child's life to Christ and saying that you will promise to raise them in the Christian way of life. You can have a "Godmother" or "Godfather" with this ceremony. Their role is to assist you in anyway and help the child in their Christian walk. If you are comfortable with a Dedication of Life Ceremony you should sit down with your Pastor and discuss whether he would be comfortable performing such a ceremony at his or church. Then you can decide if that is what you want. There is really no time frame to the ceremony. We had DD's at 10 months and she wore a "Christening" gown. At the end of the day it is your choice. It just sounded to me that you would have like to include BIL in a special spiritual way without having to change religions so i wanted to give you some more info. I hope I wasn't presumptuous.

https://www.bibleteacher.org/pdf_sermons/baby11_09_03.pdf

asl71476 · January 2011

mcwhittaker:
I'm gonna be honest with you here... I was raised catholic as a child and as an adult, i'm Pagan.
My advice to you here, Just because baptists don't have "god parents" doesn't mean you can't have god parents for your baby.
A god parent is supposed to be someone that helps your child with spiritual guidance as they grow up.
I imagine for most people, it's just a nice title they give someone they love or want to hold in esteem.
Would it really hurt your religious principles to appoint someone that role in your child's life?
Sometimes a little compromise prevents a lot of drama.
I've already told my mother her grand daughter is growing up a heathen just like her mother and father, she can deal with it however she wants.

Well said!!!!!

CCinLove · January 2011

I was raised Baptist, and I had godparents. I've never heard of Baptists not having godparents. I don't see why you can't have "godparents" even if your particular church doesn't recognize them. It's about the honor to me. Despite the fact that I'm Catholic and the church says the godparents have to be Catholic, one of DS's "godparents" is Episcopalian, and one of the new LO's will be Jehovah's witness. We're not expecting them to play a role in their religion, so we don't care that the church calls them "Christian witnesses." We chose these people because we want them to play an important role in our children's lives.

abergale · January 2011

I would try not to be offended. It seems like they just haven't even thought about the fact that you wouldn't raise your child that way. Honestly I would have DH tell his family ahead of time alone so there isn't stress after the baby is born. He really needs to be honest that this was decision that he made and that you didn't pressure him at all. That way he can answer all the questions etc and you won't get stressed out if initially they don't take it well.

I also wouldn't feel bad about not picking BIL as godfather he gets the really important title of Uncle! Don't feel pressured to have Godparents if it isn't something you do. Your DC will have special people in his or her life and it isn't necessary that they have the title.

augustjam16 · January 2011

I can't believe the posts where people asked to be a godparent? WTF? Who does that?

I thought baptism and godparents was a Christian thing, not a Catholic thing. Its a nice sentiment if you can avoid the drama. DS's godparents are my BF and DH's BF. They're important in his life and not necessarily as spiritual advisors...well, not just yet.

bunnymama625 · January 2011

Thanks everyone I think we should have the discussion of "we aren't raising the baby catholic" pre-birth too- I'll talk to DH about it! All said- I think this is the kindest way to go about it without hurting his feelings.

For a little extra info-- BIL has some delays and issues-- he isn't someone we would consider as a legal guardian- it's a good idea-- just wouldn't work in this case.

Our particular branch (?) of Baptist does a baby dedication-- it's about the parents standing up and committing to raise the baby Christian, etc-- it's kind of a personal thing for just the parents-- I don't think we can work in any kind of stand-in roles- for one, they do a bunch of dedications in one day, it's not just us, and for another, I kind of feel like that changes a special moment between us, our baby and God. That being said, we intend to invite ALL family- regardless of their religion, and I really hope they all come

CaptainObnoxious · January 2011

"I'm not Catholic."

00tedsgirl · January 2011

mcwhittaker:
Just because baptists don't have "god parents" doesn't mean you can't have god parents for your baby.
A god parent is supposed to be someone that helps your child with spiritual guidance as they grow up.

I imagine for most people, it's just a nice title they give someone they love or want to hold in esteem.

Would it really hurt your religious principles to appoint someone that role in your child's life?

Sometimes a little compromise prevents a lot of drama.

This. If BIL is actually interested in the spiritual leadership role of godfather, then he should be happy to come up with some kind of compromise.

Your DH needs to tell his family that he isn't practicing anymore and that he wants to attend a Baptist church, though. There are a lot of traditions that they probably just assume y'all will follow because it's culturally what Catholics do. For example, I would guess that they assume you are raising the baby Catholic because that is one of the promises you make when you marry a Catholic (at least it's that way in our Diocese).

sheskay · January 2011

What is it with people ASKING to be godparents... normally this is something you are asked of, not that you ask for! What is wrong with these people?!!?

heylee · January 2011

We're not doing godparents, we're doing guardians because neither DH or I follow a set religion. Also I think it's a bit rude to ask people if you can be a godparent!

angiek1 · January 2011

i am Catholic and recommend telling them that while you love them both that you have decided that you are choosing to raise your child as a Baptist. Tell your BIL and MIL that you appreciate their eagerness to help shape your child in a religious manner, but that they can still help your child find a relationship with God by teaching them to be a good person. Part of the role of a Godparent in the Catholic church is about making sure that you shape your Godchild so they get into Heaven in the future. Even though he won't be a Godparent doesn't mean he can't still help mold your child into being the best person they can be.

kacelle · January 2011

I don't think the OP is saying that she doesn't want him to be the godparent strictly because they're Baptist and not Catholic. I do associate godparents more with Catholicism than Protestantism, but I don't have a problem with Baptists or anyone else appointing godparents. I DO however have a problem appointing godparents (who are supposed to be the spiritual guardians of my child) just to appease someone who might otherwise be offended.

klcl8981 · January 2011

When you find a church, if you plan to before the baby is born, instead of a christening (since Baptists don't baptize babies), maybe the family could join in the dedication of the baby since Baptists do dedicating babies to the Lord.

It's okay to express your faith without feeling like you are going to offend your in laws. Especially if your husband is okay with raising your child under your faith, then maybe he should be the one to ultimately break the news to them.

If your in laws are ultimately insulted over not having godparents or practicing Catholicism, just be stern and say that this is what you and your husband have decided as a family, and that there is really no need to discuss it further. Case closed! You two are the parents, not them!!

katie4253 · January 2011

Did you get get married in a catholic church? If so, I can see why your H's family is confused. When we had our Catholic ceremony I had to meet privately with priest and promise to raise our children Catholic. I wouldn't have said yes if I couldn't uphold that promise.

If you didn't get married in a Catholic church, then I'm not sure why they would be surprised by your decision to raise the child in a different faith than Catholic.

azzyberry · January 2011

I have to say I disagree with a lot of these replies.

You need to do what YOU and DH feel is right for your family. You made it pretty clear in your post that you are not interested in having a christening/baptism or having godparents. Don't do it just to please his family. You and DH need to be open and honest with them and tell them how you feel. They may be hurt at first but they'll get over it. The moment you start making decisions regarding your family to please others, is the moment that they think they can tell you how you should and should not be doing things in your family.

DH and I had this conversation with his parents before we even began having children. We aren't religious and have no plans to every baptise or name godparents. DH parents aren't really religious either but his mother really wanted us to baptise our children. We both nicely explained to them that we don't believe in it and we will not be baptising our children. I could tell she was a bit hurt/upset about it at first but she got over it and has never mentioned it again.

Just be honest with them about how you feel and don't do anything that you don't want to do just because they want you to.

Good luck!

JaqiDec04 · February 2011

A godparent is someone you would trust to raise your child, spirituality, or possibly physically. If your BIL is Catholic, I don't see how he can promise to help raise your LOs in the Baptist faith as you and your DH want too.

Sit down with the ILs and explain that DH & you have decided to raise your family in the baptist faith, and will not be having godparents or a baptism.

Good luck.

kelly321 · February 2011

Typically you choose godparents if you baptize your baby as a baby. That includes Catholics, Lutherans, and several other mainstream Protestant denominations, but not Baptists. Since Baptists believe in adult baptism (the person should make the choice for themselves instead of their parents making it for them), they aren't baptized until they're older and therefore don't really need godparents.

That having been said, we are godparents to a little boy who was "only" dedicated at his church because they also don't believe in child baptism. So it is possible.

monkeyqueen · February 2011

First off, I find it weird that your BIL is asking to be a godparent.....

Secondly, just say "we're not having godparents for our baby. We are dedicating baby in the Baptist church and godparents are not a part of the ceremony. We would appreciate you helping or being involved with our LO's spirituality and lessons about God, though. Just because we don't have official Godparents, doesn't mean we don't want you involved in our child's spiritual wellbeing."

Or, something like that. It's a bit of an explanation, it brings in the real reason godparents are appointed (not just a bragging right), and invites BIL to still fulfill that role if that's what he really wants. GL!

kristennd · February 2011

I think the important thing is to focus on the fact that you and DH want to do something different than what your ILs want to do. Whether those things are Catholic vs Baptist vs whatever is turning into a distraction. Especially based on your follow-up posts.

We're going through some very similar issues with my in-laws. Which includes the fun of being accused of leading DH spiritually astray even though it was all his idea. Be prepared for that possibility once you do talk to them.

The real issue seems to be that DH is non-confrontational. This conversation has to happen regardless, and it really is his responsibility to have it, but at some point you may have to give up and tell them yourself. But warn DH first that will happen.

jerseygirlrn · February 2011

We are also Baptist. Our church does not do group dedications. Each baby has his or her own turn. Although it is not the norm we have had families have people stand up with them in a God parent roll during the drdication. IF this is something you want, ask the pastor of your new church. And if not let them know that we don't have god parents in our church. Good luck

Lithigin · February 2011

I don't know about Baptists and baptisms, but I know at least a dozen friends, family members, and new babies (including myself) who are baptized, and certainly not Catholic. The Episcopal church and others baptize without a christening, and you can certainly have godparents if you want. It sounds like you don't want that, but if it becomes important enough to you to include them as godpeople, that is an option. Good luck!

JNBrickey · February 2011

Apparently people just randomly have godparents these days. I'm not suggesting you do this because since DH's family is Catholic, if you elect them as godparents, they'll take the job religiously and seriously. But my 13 year old niece (DH's sister's daughter) asked me a few months ago who the baby's godparents would be. My response was "We're not Catholic?" because neither of us are. She said "What's that got to do with it?"

I guess she has godparents. Anyone heard of that?

miller4285 · February 2011

I guess I was never aware godparents were a Catholic thing. I was christened in a Luthern church when I was an infant and so was my sister. We had godparents. When my daughter was born, I was baptist. So we didn't christen, we had a dedication. But I chose godparents before she was born. I guess we just practice having godparents as a symbol. Like an honorary title given to a non-family member that will be really close to our children. We don't associate it with our religion (I am now Pagan and will probably still name godparents).
But,If it is a religious symbol for you, simply say we are raising our child as Baptist, and are not going to have godparents.

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