School stops child of lesbian parents enrolling
Categories: Just for dads, Just for mums, Primary school, Latest news
A Catholic school has decided not to allow a pre-school child to enrol next year because her parents are lesbians.Now the community has rallied to protest at the school's decision to uphold a policy not to let children of same sex parents attend.
The child already attends the school's preschool programme but it was recently decided not to allow her to move up to kindergarten next year.Father William Breslin talked about the decision of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic School in Colorado in a recent sermon and also on his blog.
"If a child of gay parents comes to our school, and we teach that gay marriage is against the will of God, then the child will think that we are saying their parents are bad," he writes. "We don't want to put any child in that tough position."
However, the school's stance has provoked protests from the community. "It's clear if they only accept students with perfect parents, they would have almost nobody," Beth Osnes, a protest organiser said. "I know they have the right to, but why would they want to?"
Spokeswoman for the archdiocese, Jeanette DeMelo, told the Denver Post the student is in the school's preschool program and will be allowed to finish the year.
She added it became a matter of policy after school officials, who didn't ask questions about sexual orientation during enrolment, found out about the parents.
"We're not trying to weed out people," she told the Post. "But when they can't agree with our Catholic philosophy, it really makes it difficult to be a strong part of the school community; it's a difficult situation."
But the issue doesn't appear a difficult one for the protestors.
"It's not the teachings of Jesus. We are all created equal," Joellen Raderstorf of Boulder tells the Post.
The child and her family have obviously coped with the school's teachings during her time as a preschooler so it seems a bit pointless and quite cruel making her leave now.
If the sexual orientation of pupils' parents is that important perhaps the school should make it a point to ask during the enrolment process.
What do you think? Do you think the decision to attend should be up to the parents of the child or do you think the school has done the right thing?
Source (ParentDish US)
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 6)
Jeremy Rivers 3-11-2010 @ 8:23AM
This is a very difficult issue, because Lesbian parents are clearly not something that the Church would condone, but perhaps the school should be focussing more on the needs of the child, who is being raised in such a difficult and unnatural family situation. Probably better that the child is welcomed and taught Christian family values.
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DSM 3-11-2010 @ 9:01AM
How is it that the law of the land states one thing and the church contradicts it? How is it the armed forces allow gays, but the church discriminates? How is it the law does not object to same-sex "parents" raising a child but the church refuses that same child an education? Yes, its in conflict with the churches' stance on homosexuality but why were these "parents" not informed that the child would be refused at a later date? Maybe its a case whereby the church has TWO minds...but neither is in contact with the other, hmm? Obviously there needs to be a radical rethink...so that this child, and others, will NOT be discriminated against now and in the future.
"Suffer All Children To Come Unto Me"
and......
"Judge Not, Lest Thee Be judged"
Lou 3-11-2010 @ 11:37AM
I am absolutely appalled and outraged at this story. I am a practicing Roman Catholic from the West of Scotland. Only recently we had a gay head teacher in my son’s school. He too is a practising RC. Did that affect his judgment as head teacher? Absolutely not! The attitude of Father William Breslin is far beyond un-Christian-like; it’s objectionable, intolerable and utterly offensive. It would be interesting to see how he would deal with a child whose parent committed adultery or breached one of the other 10 commandments! Live and let live. Be happy. No wonder the world’s in the state it’s in.
M C STEVENSON 3-12-2010 @ 7:00AM
As a Catholic I am appalled at the decision of a catholic school to ban a child. I am sure Jesus must sit and weep at his church. As from today that is the last straw for me as a Catholic I will attend another church for my worship where ALL are welcome irrespective of their gender or sexual orientation.
SHAME SHAME ON YOU FATHER BRESLIN
Angus Park 3-11-2010 @ 12:50PM
If the whole world were truly gay, the human race would die out within 70 - 100 years. Surely the question here is why are people like this allowed to have children? And if they have kids, why do they want to send them to a catholic school. If moral degenerates are allowed to have their own way, forget 70 - 100 years, try maybe 20 - 30!
Basil 3-11-2010 @ 1:48PM
I think the popes hat looks to big for his head
sarah 3-11-2010 @ 3:22PM
sorry but in this day and age i do not think any gay couple is unnatural, and no i am not gay, everyone is entitled to how they live their lives and i do not think it should taken out on a child of same sex parents.
Julie Brooks 3-11-2010 @ 4:46PM
This is not a difficult issue at all - the bible is very clear - the practice of homosexuality and lesbian relationships are abhorrant to God. Logistically it is clear that we were not designed to be same sex relationships (square peg round hole - sorry to be blunt). I do not object to the people but to the practice. Western culture has so watered down God's values that pretty much anything goes. Fundamentally we have to decide where we get our moral plumbline from and we cannot take bits we like and leave bits we don't. I am sure that the school in question will be slated but for me I say WELL DONE on taking a stance that will count in eternity! As for the child in question I pray that they will not be so damaged in their whole being as they try to work out why they are so different to what the Creator had intended to be one man and one woman for life - secure and safe family unit. I know this in itself raises questioning in terms of heterosexual relationships that damage children but this is just another area where the pride, arrogance, greed and sinfulness of man has spoilt what God intended for good. So much more to say .....
Tab Brown 3-12-2010 @ 6:21PM
Christian Values?
BERLIN — A widening child sexual abuse inquiry in Europe has landed at the doorstep of Pope Benedict XVI, as a senior church official acknowledged Friday that a German archdiocese made “serious mistakes” in handling an abuse case while the pope served as its archbishop.
Related Times Topics: Roman Catholic Church | Pope Benedict XVIThe archdiocese said that a priest accused of molesting boys was given therapy in 1980 and later allowed to resume pastoral duties, before committing further abuses and being prosecuted. Pope Benedict, who at the time headed the archdiocese of Munich and Freising, approved the priest’s transfer for therapy.
Copyrite New York Times Friday 12.03.2010
jane 3-18-2010 @ 2:53PM
Unnatural family situation?
I would have thought that having loving parents of whatever sex is all that is important for a child to have a safe and supportive upbringing.
I fail to see how the church can condemn people's sexuality when they are born with that sexuality so that it is presumably given by God.
ROBERT 3-22-2010 @ 10:13PM
This makes me feel sick, A child needs a mother and farther. society as gone mad, what poor chance as the child got in life.
Sis S 3-21-2010 @ 12:00PM
I agree with school's decision 100%; moreover their reason for taking that action is clearly explained.
The Bible existed before the generation of all sorts of rights to support what certain persons have made their lifestyle choice.
I personally find the issue of same sex parents rather absurd and virtually insane.
What is the law/people trying to turn this earth to?
Is it possible by nature for 2 human beings of the same sex to produce children? So where does and why should this business of "children of same sex parents" ever come in?
I think it is more important to defend the right of innocent children who are being taught contrary to nature about "children of same sex parents".
How would this effect on these children when the time comes that they have to learn about sexual education.
Sooner or later, I believe that it is likely that a lot of minds will require psychiatric help the way things are going.
THE WAYS OF SODOM AND GOMORRAH ARE THE WAYS OF DESTRUCTION. HE THAT HAS AN EAR, LET HIM HEAR.
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c williams 3-11-2010 @ 9:30AM
a lot of nuns are lesbians and a lot of priests are gay they should not be allowed in the church if they are saying its the rule of christ double standards.
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Basil 3-11-2010 @ 1:48PM
The Pope wears a dress does this mean he is gay. I used to be a good catholic but his dress sense really turned me off. Even the buddists wear dresses. Rumour has it the Pope wears a thong. It really put me off !!!! Uggghhhhhh
Tim Coyle 3-11-2010 @ 8:58AM
We weren't all born equal or we wouldn't have people with birth defects. We are all given talents not available to everyone else and some people are born without the choice of reproducing, to limit the population. Homosexuals are in this category. Nature has been their judge. They have their uses in society but not bringing up a child. It isn't right to prevent them from living a decent life if they don't affect other people or keep it within their own homes.
This case goes against nature and a decent society. We can't all have want we want but this must not be allowed to happen. PC was intended to bring us more in touch with people of other groups but has gone so far past acceptability that there is no longer any decency left. At least the school still has it's morals intact.
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sian 3-11-2010 @ 10:57AM
So you're saying people with birth defects aren't equal to people without?
MM 3-12-2010 @ 2:05PM
"This case goes against nature and a decent society"
Bigotry & intolerance - the true foundations of a religious society.
sonnart 3-11-2010 @ 3:34PM
So you think it's ok for a man and a woman who dont love each other to have children who may not be loved and cared for properly.
Which happens all the time with young teenagers getting pregnant, or men and women having one night stands that end up in pregnancys.
But it's wrong for two men or two women who truely love each other and are happy, to care, love and provide a child?
I have been in a relationship with my boyfriend (I am female) for 6 years now and we do not want children yet at all, so if we had one it would be unplanned and unwanted (although I would love it with all my heart)
You think it's right that I could bring and unwanted child into this world that I am not ready for and could not provide for, but a gay couple who want a child to love and care for and to teach right from wrong, is unacceptable?
You need to change the way you think.
katia 3-11-2010 @ 6:35PM
disgusting,backward,ignorant thinking....YES apparently,SOME people SHOULD not be able to reproduce....YOU!! just so you cannot pass on you biggot views to another generation!
God help us!
Helen. 3-11-2010 @ 9:05AM
When will the catholic church step into the present and stop living in the past? So many people are turning away from the Catholic church these days due to the archaic rules and regulations that refuse to accept people of all sexual persuasions. When will the church realize that sexuality is not a life choice it is part of who we are as people? It would be an extremely sad world were we all to return to the days when people were afraid to admit who they were and lived in fear of being discovered.
If two people love each other and are raising a child in a good and nurturing way then they should be allowed to do so without suffering the prejudice of the Church and schools.
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