Catholic Preschool Boots Child Because Parents Are Lesbians

http://www.politicsdaily.co...ents-are-lesbians%2F

A Catholic school in Boulder, Colo., has refused to re-enroll a child in its preschool program because the student's parent are lesbians.

Officials at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic School, acting at the direction of the Archdiocese of Denver, last week told faculty members that the child would not be readmitted to the church school because of the sexual orientation of the child's parents. Neither the child nor the parents have been identified.

Anger spread as word of the child's rejection became public. According to KUSA-TV, which first reported the story, school staff members said they were "disgusted" by the decision. One employee told the TV station that she could not believe a student would have to suffer because of his or her parents' sexual orientation.

At Mass on Sunday, several demonstrators gathered outside the church to protest the decision. "God and Jesus would not allow discrimination in that way," Joellen Raderstorf, one of about two dozen protesters, told reporters. One woman leaving Mass said she disagreed with the decision as well. "I just feel the Catholic Church is a church that should be teaching acceptance and tolerance," Juli Aderman-Hagerty said. "I just don't think this is an example of that."

Church officials have not responded to requests for comment, but the pastor of Sacred Heart of Jesus parish, Father Bill Breslin, offered a feisty defense of the decision in his online column:

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. We don't want to put any child in that tough position -- nor do we want to put the parents, or the teachers, at odds with the teachings of the Catholic Church. Why would good parents want their children to learn something they don't believe in? It doesn't make sense. There are so many schools in Boulder that see the meaning of sexuality in an entirely different way than the Catholic Church does. Why not send their child there?

The Archdiocese of Denver also released a statement clarifying its rationale for rejecting the child:

To preserve the mission of our schools, and to respect the faith of wider Catholic community, we expect all families who enroll students to live in accord with Catholic teaching. Our admission policy states clearly, "No person shall be admitted as a student in any Catholic school unless that person and his/her parent(s) subscribe to the school's philosophy and agree to abide by the educational policies and regulations of the school and Archdiocese."

Parents living in open discord with Catholic teaching in areas of faith and morals unfortunately choose by their actions to disqualify their children from enrollment. To allow children in these circumstances to continue in our school would be a cause of confusion for the student in that what they are being taught in school conflicts with what they experience in the home.

Still, critics wondered why any child should be singled out for rejection because of his or her parents, but also why a gay couple was being singled out given that many parents of students at Catholic schools are divorced or remarried or unmarried, or using birth control or living lifestyles that church teaching would also consider sinful.

Moreover, many Catholic schools across the country gladly enroll non-Catholic students, and in some urban areas the percentage of non-Catholic students reaches upward of 90 percent. How such families would fit into the rigorous definition offered by the Denver archdiocese was unclear.

Apart from public protests, there is little legal recourse should the two mothers try that route. As a private religious institution, a Catholic school can decide whom it wants to admit and whom it wants to reject.

How this kind of thing will strike Catholics themselves -- and the Americans the church says it wants to evangelize -- is another question.

Surveys show that for Americans, and especially young adults, equality for gays is increasingly a non-issue. Americans support civil unions by a wide margin, according to the latest research from the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life, and among 18- to 29-year-olds, support for gay marriage outpolls opposition by 58 percent to 37 percent.

More ominous for the churches is that the attitudes of young people, even churchgoers, is increasingly coloring their view toward Christianity, in part because many leading denominations -- notably Roman Catholics and evangelical Christians -- are becoming increasingly outspoken against equal treatment for homosexuals.

A Barna survey of 16- to 29-year-olds found that "the most common perception is that present-day Christianity is 'anti-homosexual.' " The survey found that 91 percent of young non-Christians and 80 percent of young churchgoers say this phrase describes Christianity. Both groups said that "Christians show excessive contempt and unloving attitudes towards gays and lesbians," and the respondents frequently said the church has made homosexuality a "bigger sin" than other issues.
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Just my opinion but, I'm thinking the Church is right on target. Based on a very limited knowledge of Catholicism, I believe they are correct. Teaching a child that what their "parents" are doing is sinful is probably not in the best interest of the child or, is it.

Ron

yup. this is the whole point of private schools, isnt it?
I may not agree with their stuff, I certainly cannot say "I am right, they are wrong".

quote Originally posted by blackrams: Just my opinion but, I'm thinking the Church is right on target. Based on a very limited knowledge of Catholicism, I believe they are correct. Teaching a child that what their "parents" are doing is sinful is probably not in the best interest of the child or, is it. Ron

All that aside, this is a PRIVATE SCHOOL. It also happens to be a Catholic school. If they don't want red-headed step-children, and they can show a rule where red-headed step children aren't allowed, then guess what, they have no obligation to enroll red-headed step-children.

On a deeper note, I'm guessing that the child's "parents" came to the school and made an issue of this. Had they simply minded their own business, how would the school have ever known? They wouldn't have. I could very well be way off base here, but I doubt it.

John Stricker

This is a big deal why? Because a lot of people in this country think they have a right to anything they want and no one can refuse them.

quote Originally posted by pokeyfiero: This is a big deal why? Because a lot of people in this country think they have a right to anything they want and no one can refuse them.

And John's post too:

quote Originally posted by jstricker: ..... On a deeper note, I'm guessing that the child's "parents" came to the school and made an issue of this. Had they simply minded their own business, how would the school have ever known? They wouldn't have. I could very well be way off base here, but I doubt it. John Stricker

enrollment interview with the parents.

tho, it would have been fun to see a "I Love Lucy" style episode, with one of the girls putting on a fake mustache, and talking in a deep voice.....

Assuming there was one with the "parents", and not just a "parent"

What if they sent the application back and had on it that it was from the child's mother and that she was unmarried, which would all be true since the last time I checked there was a same sex marriage ban in Colorado?

There is a private catholic high school in Hays, KS, and they don't have one, several of my friends sent their kids there. They do have to sign an agreement that says they are not in conflict with the teachings of the Catholic church in their home, or something like that.

John Stricker

quote Originally posted by Pyrthian: enrollment interview with the parents. tho, it would have been fun to see a "I Love Lucy" style episode, with one of the girls putting on a fake mustache, and talking in a deep voice.....

quote Originally posted by jstricker: Assuming there was one with the "parents", and not just a "parent" What if they sent the application back and had on it that it was from the child's mother and that she was unmarried, which would all be true since the last time I checked there was a same sex marriage ban in Colorado? There is a private catholic high school in Hays, KS, and they don't have one, several of my friends sent their kids there. They do have to sign an agreement that says they are not in conflict with the teachings of the Catholic church in their home, or something like that. John Stricker

yup. just a guess. many "finer" schools want to meet and interview both parents. yes, most of us are more accostumed to the warehouse style.

Yes, the children should PAY for the sins of their parents!

(sarcasm)

quote Originally posted by Blacktree: Yes, the children should PAY for the sins of their parents! (sarcasm)

Who said it was a sin? Oh, that's right, some Catholic school.

THEY can call it one if they want, and THEY can limit whoever they want to attend.

It is THEIR PRIVATE SCHOOL.

If you don't like it, then don't send your kids there, but you have absolutely NO say-so in how they run it.

John Stricker

quote Originally posted by User00013170: Who said it was a sin? Oh, that's right, some Catholic school.

quote Originally posted by jstricker: THEY can call it one if they want, and THEY can limit whoever they want to attend.

Yes, they can. And we can make fun of them for it. It works both ways.

quote Originally posted by jstricker: THEY can call it one if they want, and THEY can limit whoever they want to attend. It is THEIR PRIVATE SCHOOL. If you don't like it, then don't send your kids there, but you have absolutely NO say-so in how they run it. John Stricker

Don’t you know freedom of association is no longer allowed? And you certainly can’t make up rules that might offend or hurt some one’s feelings.

Both my kids have attended or now attend private Catholic schools. Their elementary school was connected to a local parish. The local parish has a considerable tuition break to member parish families. Being Lutheran, I would not have been welcomed into the parish to worship with my wife and kids unless I was willing to convert. They certainly would not knowingly serve me communion. We elected to join a LIBERAL Catholic church so we could worship as a family. We paid the higher non-parish family tuition.

Now their 1200 student Catholic high school is diverse. Approximately, 25% of the student body is non-Catholic. Most Christian dominations and Jewish students attend! I know one teacher is Jewish. The school, while welcoming all, does make it very clear that Catholic religion classes are required along with study in other world religions. If we didn’t like this rule or be willing to accept it we would go else where….not force them to accommodate or beliefs.

Jeff

Excellent post and I happen to agree but, I wonder, how would I feel about a Muslim school privately run by a more radical Muslim Group. Have to think about that one for a while.

Ron

quote Originally posted by User00013170: Who said it was a sin? Oh, that's right, some Catholic school.

Doesn't matter. It's a pivate school.

FYI, I have nothing wrong with homosexuals, but if a private organization such as this catholic school wants to keep their kid out then I support that.

quote As a school, we are committed to educating our students from the standpoint of a Christian world and life view and from a thoroughly Biblical perspective. We understand that these priorities promote not only high academic achievement, but also high standards of character development and a closer relationship with Jesus as Lord and Savior.

This is from the Headmaster of our school. We both interviewed, and were asked, among other things, what Jesus Christ means to us. We repeat this, at least in writing, on the enrollment forms each year. That and nearly $30K each year (before Financial Aid) - and going up next year.... We send our children to this school for exactly the reason the Catholic school dropped this young student. We don't want the children confused coming home after being taught something opposite what they know from their home life. It's a struggle (financially and otherwise) but more than worth it.

quote Originally posted by blackrams: Excellent post and I happen to agree but, I wonder, how would I feel about a Muslim school privately run by a more radical Muslim Group. Have to think about that one for a while. Ron

A whole another issue that is happening here in good ole Minnesota. This is happening right now with a Muslim Charter School which is funded by the State of Minnesota. Religion is being taught with my tax dollars. That I have a serious problem with as I have to pay above and beyond for my kids Catholic education. Evidently the ACLU has some issues with it also.

[This message has been edited by GTGeff (edited 03-09-2010).]

quote Originally posted by GTGeff: A whole another issue that is happening here in good ole Minnesota. This is happening right now with a Muslim Charter School which is funded by the State of Minnesota. That I have a serious problem with. Evidently the ACLU has some issues with it also.

Really? I was not aware of that but, please enlighten us or maybe I should say me. While I agree with the Catholic school's premise, I know a little more about them though I am not Catholic. How does the Muslim private school differ? Obviously, I fully expect there to be religious differences but, are they radical and if so, are they not protected by the same laws that protect the Catholic schools?

Ron

quote Originally posted by blackrams: Really? I was not aware of that but, please enlighten us or maybe I should say me. While I agree with the Catholic school's premise, I know a little more about them though I am not Catholic. How does the Muslim private school differ? Obviously, I fully expect there to be religious differences but, are they radical and if so, are they not protected by the same laws that protect the Catholic schools? Ron

They differ in that the Muslim school is receiving direct state aid and has been accused of practicing a religion. Not a private school, just trying to act like one. Separation of church and state. My private Catholic school is not funded by the State of Minnesota. I pay tuition plus school taxes to my local school district.

Sounds like the PC Police aren't doing their job. The rules should be the same of all such institutions.

Ron

There's that "open to new ideas" and "tolerant attitude" you liberals are so famous for.



The difference between you and me is that if there was an "atheist" private school that wouldn't accept students because their parents believed in God, I wouldn't feel the need to "make fun of them". I'd feel the exact same way about THEIR private school as I do this one.

John Stricker

quote Originally posted by Blacktree: Yes, they can. And we can make fun of them for it. It works both ways.

http://www.startribune.com/local/17406054.html

http://www.startribune.com/16404541.html

http://www.jihadwatch.org/2...ol-in-minnesota.html ACLU suing

or google Minnesota muslim schools to read all about their troubles.

i'm just wondering why the hell two lesbians enrolled their child in a CATHOLIC SCHOOL?!?!duh...

quote Originally posted by jstricker: It is THEIR PRIVATE SCHOOL. John Stricker

THAT depends on if either the school, or the church behind it, has ever--even once--accepted public funds without paying it back...

those "strings attached" can be a real beeech sometimes.

quote Originally posted by fastblack: i'm just wondering why the hell two lesbians enrolled their child in a CATHOLIC SCHOOL?!?!duh...

Are you serious?

Has it not occured to you that both women might be.... Catholic?

Or are you suggesting that there is no such thing as a homosexual Catholic?

quote Originally posted by Patrick: Has it not occured to you that both women might be.... Catholic?

Well not to be anti-anything but, they don't appear to be following their upbringing if they were raised Catholic.

Ron

[This message has been edited by blackrams (edited 03-10-2010).]

I respect the right of a private school to determine it's own admissions criteria; however, you'd think that's the type of child a religious school would want - so they can "save" them from the influence of their sinnful parents. It's not like they're saying the child is lesbian.

quote Originally posted by jstricker: THEY can call it one if they want, and THEY can limit whoever they want to attend. It is THEIR PRIVATE SCHOOL. If you don't like it, then don't send your kids there, but you have absolutely NO say-so in how they run it. John Stricker

Did i say they couldn't? No, i didn't.

And i disagree that i have zero input, as i will guarantee they accept tax breaks, and i bet some tax dollars too. They also have to adhere to certain levels of education by law to be deemed a 'school'. Therefore i do have some say so. But to be honest i could really care less what they do. If they want to rant on about obsolete beliefs and superstitions, more power to them. My comment was sarcasm in relation to that last part of this statement.

The decision of Hurley v. Irish-American Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Group of Boston and Boy Scouts of America v. Dale, the Court ruled that a group may exclude people from membership if their presence would affect the group's ability to advocate a particular point of view. The government cannot, through the use of anti-discrimination laws, force groups to include a message that they do not wish to convey.

quote Originally posted by Uaana: The decision of Hurley v. Irish-American Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Group of Boston and Boy Scouts of America v. Dale, the Court ruled that a group may exclude people from membership if their presence would affect the group's ability to advocate a particular point of view. The government cannot, through the use of anti-discrimination laws, force groups to include a message that they do not wish to convey.

I do believe that accepting tax dollars/breaks would effect that ruling, if not negate it totally. Certified schools also have other requirements of performance which makes them different then a 'social club' like the boyscouts are.

Oh, and before anyone gets the wrong idea, i do agree a privately owned social club should have the right to hang a sign 'xyz not welcome'.

[This message has been edited by User00013170 (edited 03-10-2010).]

quote Originally posted by User00013170: I do believe that accepting tax dollars/breaks would effect that ruling, if not negate it totally. Certified schools also have other requirements of performance which makes them different then a 'social club' like the boyscouts are. Oh, and before anyone gets the wrong idea, i do agree a privately owned social club should have the right to hang a sign 'xyz not welcome'.

yes - and this is why the school vouchers concept is unwelcome by many, because that implies tax dollars being used.

hmpf - just had a thought - wonder if there would be a underground market for school vouchers, like there was for food stamps?

quote Originally posted by blackrams: Well not to be anti-anything but, they don't appear to be following their upbringing if they were raised Catholic. Ron

this is what i was getting at. i have nothing against homosexuals, more something against some of the catholic religions beliefs. i'm sure the two women were aware of the catholic church's stand on homosexuality, so why did they even start down this road by enrolling their child in a catholic school.

my parents now attend a congregational church (not the one i grew up in) that is against homosexuality and that is one of the reasons i don't attend that church. i don't agree with some of their beliefs so i don't go. kinda sucks because the pastor is a VERY good speaker and i really enjoyed his sermons.

i just don't see why two lesbians would enroll their child in a school that doesn't approve of their lifestyle.

quote Originally posted by fastblack: i just don't see why two lesbians would enroll their child in a school that doesn't approve of their lifestyle.

Having absolutely no other insight into this than was posted, my bet is that it's just to stir the pot. I sincerely doubt their decision is based on what is best for the child. I admit, I could be wrong but, experience has taught me that those on the fringes of society are always looking for ways to find acceptance and approval for their behavior.

Ron

quote Originally posted by blackrams: Having absolutely no other insight into this than was posted, my bet is that it's just to stir the pot. I sincerely doubt their decision is based on what is best for the child. I admit, I could be wrong but, experience has taught me that those on the fringes of society are always looking for ways to find acceptance and approval for their behavior. Ron

Not all of them. I have many friends on the 'fringe' ( for several reasons, not just the topic at hand ) and they all just want to go about their lives and be left alone.

These women might have thought that going to the catholic school would have given their child a better education than the local public offerings ( which is often the case unfortunately ) and had little or nothing to do with religious orientations.

quote Originally posted by GTGeff: http://www.startribune.com/local/17406054.html http://www.startribune.com/16404541.html http://www.jihadwatch.org/2...ol-in-minnesota.html ACLU suing or google Minnesota Muslim schools to read all about their troubles.

Very interesting articles. Thanks for posting them. It would appear based on the provided information that the Minnesota Board of Education and MN Tapayers may have a legitimate issue with tax dollars going to support a religious school. Keep us posted on how that comes out. I'm betting little to nothing happens and the school continues on it's current path. Hopefully, I'm wrong.

This has been occuring in Europe for quite a while. Expansion through one means or another. Which brings to mind Natural Born Terrorism. Raise them, brainwash them and send them out to selected targets. Not a pretty thought but, a realistic scenerio.

Ron

quote Originally posted by GTGeff: http://www.startribune.com/local/17406054.html http://www.startribune.com/16404541.html http://www.jihadwatch.org/2...ol-in-minnesota.html ACLU suing or google Minnesota muslim schools to read all about their troubles.

yes - thanks - good stuff.

really shows a simple mistake many make: mixing up religion & lifestyle. so used to the lifestyle, that the actual religous aspects of that lifestyle are forgetten or not noticed. to someone outside that lifestyle, it is a like a glowing pink elephant. anyways - them schools should take note from this catholic school on how it is done.

There is some hypocrisy going on that is being called out that is legitimate. But calling out the hypocrisy doesn't therefore allow entrance for the child into the school.


Catholics believe homosexuality is wrong. So the child isn't given permission to go to the school. (and btw, that hardly qualifies as a PUNISHMENT whereby the children PAY for the sins of the parents. Wow. What a harsh "payment". You can't go to school here and will have to get your education at one of the hundred other fine academic institutions in the area. Brutal.)

I'm pretty sure catholics believe unmarried people living together is wrong, too. So it is a legitimate point to ask why children of those people can go to the school.

But the CONCLUSION of pointing out that hypocrisy isn't that, well, if THEIR child can go, then so can mine. The conclusion, then, is, well, ok, now THAT child is out, too.
General principle regarding christians being anti-homosexual? Well, goodness, the BIBLE is anti-homosexualITY. Over and over. Both testaments. No wiggle room. It is clear.

And so a lot of people that CLAIM to be christian are anti-homosexual (the PERSON). That is wrong, and is a fault.

I'm not anti-homosexual person. I'm just as friendly, just as conversational, just as helpful, just as willing for a homosexual person as a heterosexual. And I don't OFFER that what they are doing is wrong or evil. If they ASK me, I'll (as nicely as possible) tell them what the Bible says about homosexuality, and since I believe the Bible, it is wrong. But I try to put it in a context for them. Heterosexual sex outside of your spouse is wrong, too. So is lying. So is cheating. Point being I am against those things, too. I'm not singling them out.

Just wanted to put that out there, too.
But specifically regarding the child and the school, yes, the school has the right to exclude the child and CAN be "blamed" for doing it, but that isn't really fair or right. However, to point out the hypocrisy, yes, that is definitely deserved since the archdiocese established the standard and then selectively applied it. But that doesn't merit, therefore, the child getting to be in the school.