Faith
Maine Mother Fights Church Ban in Custody Battle
Faith Facts
- A Maine mother’s right to take her daughter to church is being challenged after a court labeled Calvary Chapel a “cult.”
- Liberty Counsel is defending Emily Bickford, claiming the order violates religious freedom and constitutional rights.
- The Maine Supreme Judicial Court is now considering whether the mother’s faith-based parenting can be lawfully restricted.
Emily Bickford is fighting a court order preventing her from bringing her 12-year-old daughter to Calvary Chapel, after the child’s father received sole authority over religious decisions. This controversial ruling followed testimony asserting the church is “cultic,” and bars Emily from exposing her daughter to its teachings or even Bible study.
Liberty Counsel argues that denying a parent the ability to share biblical faith with her child contradicts First Amendment protections. The legal team stressed the ruling sets a dangerous precedent for Christian parents seeking to raise their children according to biblical standards.
“Calvary Chapel is not a cult. This custody order banning Emily Bickford from taking her child to a Christian church because of its biblical teachings violates the First Amendment,” Liberty Counsel founder and Chairman Mat Staver said in a statement.
Liberty Counsel maintained that no evidence shows Emily’s faith harmed her daughter’s wellbeing. Despite this, the court gave the father the power to decide all matters related to the daughter’s religious and medical upbringing, warning of supposed harm from Calvary Chapel’s teachings.
Calvary Chapel is part of a global association of autonomous evangelical churches rooted in the Jesus Movement of the 1960s and 70s. The outcome of this case will test how far courts can intervene in a parent’s right to raise children in their faith.
Stay prayerful as the Maine Supreme Court weighs a decision, recognizing the vital freedom for families to foster faith and biblical principles without government interference.
Faith Facts
- Pope Leo XIV addressed sick pilgrims and healthcare workers at Lourdes, France on September 27.
- The pontiff explicitly rejected any form of euthanasia disguised as mercy.
- His message upholds the sanctity of life as a core Christian teaching.
Pope Leo XIV delivered a clear and compassionate message to the faithful gathered at the famous shrine of Lourdes. His words came as nations across Europe continue to expand laws permitting assisted suicide.
The Holy Father spoke directly to both patients and medical professionals. He warned against any action that ends life under the pretense of kindness.
“We must reject the temptation to cause death under the guise of false compassion,” the Pope stated.
The Lourdes gathering included individuals suffering from serious illnesses as well as those who care for them daily. The setting is traditionally associated with physical and spiritual healing, making the Pope’s message especially relevant.
Christian teaching has long maintained that every human life possesses inherent dignity from conception until natural death. Pope Leo’s address reaffirmed this timeless truth in the face of growing cultural pressure to redefine compassion.
Many families facing terminal illness already carry heavy emotional and financial burdens. The Church encourages continued support through palliative care and prayer rather than the termination of life.
Faithful Catholics around the world are being called to defend the vulnerable by offering genuine mercy rooted in truth. This includes advocating for policies that protect the elderly, the sick, and the unborn.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Faith Facts
- Chris Tomlin led thousands in worship at the AWAKE Houston event on September 19
- The gathering filled the Smart Financial Centre with beloved contemporary Christian anthems
- Believers came together to honor Jesus Christ through music and unified prayer
Chris Tomlin stood before a packed house at the Smart Financial Centre in Houston, leading thousands of worshipers in an hour-long celebration of praise and adoration.
The worship leader guided the congregation through some of the most recognizable anthems in contemporary Christian music, creating an atmosphere of reverence and unity.
“We honor You” echoed throughout the venue as believers lifted their voices in one accord, setting aside the concerns of the world to focus on the majesty of Jesus Christ.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Faith Facts
- David Henrie publicly shared how his decision to follow Christ led to the loss of his former inner circle.
- Henrie credited his Catholic faith with providing new purpose and new friendships after the transition.
- The actor reflected on the spiritual convictions that prompted his return to the Catholic Church.
Actor David Henrie is speaking candidly about the personal cost of his Christian conversion in an industry often hostile to traditional faith.
The former Disney star said he “lost everyone” in his inner circle after embracing Christ.
“I lost everyone.”
Henrie explained that the decision to live openly as a believer forced him to rebuild relationships from the ground up.
He has since formed new friendships grounded in shared faith and values.
“I made new friends.”
Henrie also reflected on the deeper spiritual questions that led him back to the Catholic Church.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
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