CDF rules that transgendered person is not permitted to be baptismal sponsor, says Spanish bishop
September 03, 2015
The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith has ruled that a woman who identifies herself as transgendered is not permitted to serve as a baptismal sponsor, Bishop Rafael Zornoza Boy of Cádiz and Ceuta (Spain) said in a statement.
The bishop originally ruled that a 21-year-old woman who identifies herself as a man was not allowed to serve as her nephew’s godparent. The woman has not yet undergone a sex-change operation, according to a Spanish media report.
Less than two weeks later, the prelate reversed his decision and permitted the woman to serve as a godparent, a local newspaper reported.
In his new statement, the bishop said he referred the case to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. In its response, the Congregation, citing Canon 874, stated that the person objectively does not meet the requirements of being a godfather or godmother.
Canon 874 states that the baptismal sponsor “must be suitable for this role” and must live “a life of faith which befits the role to be undertaken.”
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Further information:
- Comunicado del Obispo de Cádiz y Ceuta
- Report: Spanish bishop changes mind, permits transgendered person to be godparent (CWN, 8/7)
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