<P> A godparent (also known as a sponsor), in many denominations of Christianity, is someone who bears witness to a child's baptism, although the term has also been used in a legal sense . In both religious and civil views, a godparent tends to be an individual chosen by the parents to take an interest in the child's upbringing and personal development, and to take care of the child should anything happen to the parents . A male godparent is a godfather, and a female godparent is a godmother . The child is a godchild (i.e. godson for boys and goddaughter for girls). </P> <P> As early as the 2nd century AD, infant baptism had begun to gain acceptance among Christians for the spiritual purification and social initiation of infants . The requirement for some confession of faith necessitated the use of adults who acted as sponsors for the child . They vocalized the confession of faith and acted as guarantors of the child's spiritual upbringing . </P>

What are the responsibilities of a god parent