[Apologetics] Couple Says They Were Denied Opportunity To Adopt

[Art Kelly]

Couple Says They Were Denied Opportunity To Adopt
at
http://www.thejacksonchannel.com/news/4729401/detail.html

POSTED: 4:04 pm CDT July 15, 2005
UPDATED: 4:27 pm CDT July 15, 2005

JACKSON, Miss. -- A metro couple said they were turned
down as adoptive parents because of their faith.

Sandy and Robert Stedman wanted to adopt a child
through Bethany Christian Services, but said they were
turned down because they are Catholic.

A Bethany Christian Services representative released
the following statement:

"Bethany of Mississippi seeks to place children with
families who are emotionally, financially, socially
and physically stable who also agree with the agency's
statement of faith."

The national group plans to discuss the idea of
approving adoptions based on faith at its next
meeting, the representative said.

Catholic Charities responded by saying that
historically in the South there has been
misunderstanding about Catholic Christian theology.
The organization said the misunderstanding stems, in
part, from the low percentage of Catholics in the
region and lack of knowledge about the Catholic faith.

Each year, about 30 children are adopted through
Catholic Charities.

Betty Watters works with the group to place children
in loving homes. Waters said her group considers
spiritual beliefs when approving a couple, but her
organization tries to make sure all eligible families
can adopt.

"We would talk with them about their faith and make
sure the child would grow up with the values that the
faith teaches," she said.

For more information about adoption, call Catholic
Charities at (601) 960-8649, or (800) 844-8655. Call
Bethany Christian Services at (601) 366-4282.

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