Christians in the state of Michigan and throughout the nation can take a much-needed sigh of relief following a huge victory for St. Vincent Catholic Charities. St. Vincent and other ministries place thousands of children in loving homes throughout Michigan, but the state took offense with these ministries’ preference for placing children in homes with both a mother and a father. A settlement agreement was filed in federal court between the consortium of charities and the state which will allow religious child placement charities to openly practice their religious faith in the public sphere.
Though the ministries were completely within their legal rights under the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and a 2015 Michigan law protecting conscience exemptions, a federal court battle ensued. This is a classic tactic of the left. Even when they are clearly in the wrong, they engage in an endless litany of lawfare to squelch their ideological opponents. No mercy is given, even when their adversary is a non-profit ministry helping needy children.
Just as the Bible instructs us, we must all count the cost when choosing to make a stand for our faith. Even in a nation as free as America, the active Christian life has consequences. However, we should never let that discourage us from doing what is right. St. Vincent Catholic Charities was right to make the stand that they did. Thanks to their courage, others like them throughout the state will be able to continue the vital work that they do throughout the state.
There are thousands of children throughout the nation that need child placement agencies to connect them with loving families. The absolute best place for these children to be are homes that have both a mother and a father. Few callings could be higher than helping a child in need find a place to call home and people to call family. This calling from God should be fully protected under the right to freely exercise our religion, and that is why I applaud the courage of St. Vincent Catholic Charities. All men and women of faith should show such fearlessness.
