<P> At present, in the Church of England, relatives can stand as godparents, and although it is not clear that parents can be godparents, they sometimes are . Godparents should be both baptized and confirmed (although it is not clear in which Church), but the requirement for confirmation can be waived . There is no requirement for clergy to baptize those from outside their parishes, and baptism can be reasonably delayed so that the conditions, including suitable godparents, can be met . As a result, individual clergy have considerable discretion over the qualifications of godparents . Many "contemporary Anglican rites likewise require parents and godparents to respond on behalf of infant (baptismal) candidates ." </P> <P> Lutherans follow a similar theology of godparents as Roman Catholics . They believe that godparents "help (children) with their Christian upbringing, especially if they should lose their parents". Lutherans, like Roman Catholics, believe that a godparent must be both a baptized and confirmed Christian . Some Lutherans also follow the Roman Catholic tradition that a Christian who is not affiliated with the Lutheran denomination may serve as a witness rather than a godparent . </P> <P> The Book of Discipline stipulates that it is the duty of a godparent, also known as a sponsor, "to provide training for the children of the Church throughout their childhood that will lead to a personal commitment to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, to an understanding of the Christian faith, and to an appreciation of the privileges and obligations of baptism and membership (¶ 225.4)." John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist Church, wrote a homily titled "Serious Thoughts Concerning Godfathers and Godmothers" in which he stated that godparents are "spiritual parents to the baptized, whether they were infants or (adults); and were expected to supply whatever spiritual helps were wanting either through the death or neglect of the natural parents ." He described the role of godparents, instructing that they should call upon their godchild "to hear sermons, and shall provide that he (/ she) may learn the Creed, the Lord's Prayer, and the Ten Commandments, and all other things which a Christian ought to know and believe to his soul's health; and that this child be virtuosly brought up, to lead a godly and a Christian life ." As such, the Book of Worship states that godparents / sponsors should be "selected carefully" and "should be members of Christ's holy Church; and it is the duty of pastors to instruct them concerning the significance of Holy Baptism, their responsibilities for the Christian training of the baptized child, and how these obligations may be fulfilled ." </P> <P> The Orthodox institution of godparenthood has been the least affected of the major traditions by change . In some Orthodox churches (Serbian, Greek) usually the best man (кум, koumbaros) or bridesmaid (kuma, кума, koumbara) at a couple's wedding act as a godparent to the first or all children of the marriage . In some instances, the godfather is responsible for naming the child . A godparent to a child will then act as a sponsor at the child's wedding . Godparents are expected to be in good standing in the Orthodox church, including its rulings on divorce, and aware of the meaning and responsibilities of their role . They cannot be a minor or a parent of the child, and at least one sponsor must be Orthodox . </P>

Where did the idea of god parents come from