Maine's Supreme Court, in divorce case, restricts mother's religious influence on child's upbringing (Religion Clause)

In brief

The Maine Supreme Court upheld a lower court ruling that restricts a divorced mother's ability to influence her child's religious upbringing. The decision favors the father, Mathew Bradeen, who requested limits on his ex-wife's religious influence due to the psychological impact of her church's teachings on their child.

The court cited the child's fear, anxiety, and panic attacks linked to the teachings of Calvary Chapel, a Protestant church. According to the court, the church's pastor testified that his sermons include vivid descriptions of Hell and the Second Coming of Christ. The pastor stated that this event will involve seven years of intense suffering on earth for those who have not accepted God's terms.

The ruling noted that the child has experienced significant distress because of these doctrines. The child reportedly asked her father many questions about why he and her sibling would not be in Heaven and left notes around his house expressing fear that the Second Coming is approaching.