Maine Judge Bars Mother from Taking Daughter to Church and Reading Bible

Christianity On Trial: A Custody Battle Twist in Maine

Child custody battles can be messy, but they rarely take a swipe at religious freedom. A recent case in Maine, however, has people talking about just that. Emily Bickford and Matt Bradeen are in a legal showdown over their daughter, Ava, and the role Christianity should play in her life.

Emily, a Christian, has instilled her faith in Ava, but Matt isn’t a fan. He dislikes Christianity so much that he found a judge with a past ACLU connection to back him up. Now there’s a court order stopping Ava from going to church, chatting with her Christian friends, or even cracking open a Bible. Can’t celebrate Christmas? Yup, that’s on the list too.

Liberty Council, a group defending Emily, isn’t thrilled. According to them, the judge went too far, calling churches like Calvary Chapel ‘cults’ and even poking fun at the faith by refusing to capitalize ‘God.’

The conditions are strict. Ava can’t hang out with church buddies or attend Christian events. She can’t even read religious texts or talk about faith with her mom. The rule is making waves, chopping Ava off from supportive relationships and pushing her away from her spiritual roots during a critical period in her adolescence.

It’s a head-scratcher for many, but the battle isn’t over. Liberty Council took the case to the Maine Supreme Court last week. Most justices seemed skeptical of the order, calling it an overreach that robs Emily of her rights as a fit parent. Now, Ava and Emily are waiting on pins and needles for the final decision.

This case is stirring the pot about how courts should handle faith in family matters, and many are watching to see how the dominoes will fall. Stay tuned for what comes next.