As if a high-stakes presidential election isn’t enough for the first week of November, the U.S. Supreme Court on Nov. 4 will take up a case that goes to the heart of the culture wars fought by the Religious Right…
Pastor counsels churches to greet disabled with compassion, not exclusion or fear
Individuals with disabilities, and their families, are accustomed to poor treatment wherever they go – including church.
ACLU challenges law allowing faith-based child services providers to turn away LGBT parents
The American Civil Liberties Union filed a federal lawsuit Sept. 20 challenging a Michigan law allowing faith-based child placement agencies receiving taxpayer funds to deny services to same-sex couples because of religious objections. The 2105 law is similar to legislation…
Texas Freedom Network head says using religion to discriminate violates the Golden Rule
The leader of a Texas civil-liberties organization formed to counter the Religious Right speculated in a radio interview May 27 that the state’s child welfare crisis helped boost a controversial bill headed to the governor’s desk allowing state-funded providers of…
Baptist pastor says faith-based adoption agencies shouldn’t discriminate against gays
The pastor of a Texas Baptist church which recently went on record as welcoming and affirming of gays has opposed pending legislation to allow faith-based adoption and foster care agencies to refuse to place children with same-sex couples. In testimony…
Orphan care takes center stage in LGBT/religious liberty debate
Adoption and foster care are taking center stage in the latest conflict between LGBT equality and religious liberty. In the Texas legislature, State Rep. James Frank (R-Wichita Falls) is proposing an amendment to the state’s Human Resources Code to protect…
Controversial child welfare measure stripped from health reform bill
A network of Baptist children’s homes in North Carolina is receiving credit for derailing sweeping reform of the child welfare system stripped from a larger bill that funds medical research, speeds up the approval process for drugs and devices at…
Millennial’s foster care calling shatters 30-something stereotype
From outward appearances, Christy Haston is a typical single 30-something. An assistant principal at a North Dallas elementary school, Haston likes to spend time outdoors with friends and family. She likes to travel and enjoys running. But a closer look…
Texas teens finally find spiritual, physical home in foster care
So much of growing up has to do with finding a sense of belonging. That’s also known as home. Twin brothers Taylor and Tyler Savoy say they know all about that. “Our dad used to take us to the McDonalds…