Maine Court Blocks Mother from Taking Daughter to Church

A ruling by the Maine Supreme Court has sparked significant debate by prohibiting a mother, Emily Bickford, from taking her 12-year-old daughter to church. The court’s decision followed a custody order that grants the girl’s father, Matthew Bradeen, sole authority over her religious exposure, including attendance at Calvary Chapel, an evangelical Protestant church known for its focus on expository Bible teaching.

The custody order explicitly states that Bickford cannot take her daughter to any church services, nor can she read the Bible to her. This ruling has drawn criticism from Liberty Counsel, a legal advocacy group representing Bickford, which argues that the order violates her First Amendment rights. According to a statement from Liberty Counsel, the ruling also restricts the daughter from engaging with any members of the church or accessing its literature and teachings.

The controversy escalated when Bradeen enlisted the help of Dr. Janja Lalich, a sociology professor and expert on cults, to present his case. During a hearing before Maine District Judge Jennifer Nofsinger, Dr. Lalich characterized Calvary Chapel as a cult due to its teachings on hell, demons, and spiritual warfare. She testified that cults often feature charismatic leaders who promote a belief system that guarantees salvation. Dr. Lalich’s assertions have been met with skepticism by many, as they contradict the foundational beliefs of numerous Christian denominations.

Bickford had been taking her daughter to Calvary Chapel since May 2021, a practice that now faces legal barriers. Liberty Counsel pointed out that the order not only limits church attendance but also broadly prohibits any exposure to religious philosophies, raising alarms about the implications for religious freedom. The organization is seeking a reversal of the custody order, emphasizing the need for parents to pass on their religious beliefs to their children.

Mat Staver, founder and chairman of Liberty Counsel, stated that the custody order’s restrictions are unprecedented and threaten the essence of religious liberties. He remarked, “The breadth of this court order is breathtaking because it even prohibits contact with the Bible, religious literature, or religious philosophy.” Staver called for the restoration of Bickford’s rights to engage her daughter in their faith.

As the legal battle continues, the implications of this case extend beyond the immediate parties involved. It raises critical questions about parental rights, religious freedoms, and the role of the judiciary in matters of faith. The Maine Supreme Court’s ruling has ignited discussions on how far legal authorities can go in regulating religious practices within families. The outcome could set a significant precedent in the ongoing debate over the intersection of family law and religious expression.