Comments on: UK Judge rules young Jewish girl can be baptised Christian despite mothers opposition

By: Simian

Simian — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 19:08:36 +0000

Just to add: I have now read the full Judge’s findings and I have to admire his compassionate and common sense attitude to this, and in particular the letter which he wrote to the girl, explaining his judgement. This is actually quite heartwarming, to find a judge so concerned with providing the most fair and measured solution for all parties, whilst trying to defuse the row between ex husband and wife. Thanks for posting this Stuart. Really boosted my faith in the British judicial system.

By: Simian

Simian — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 18:42:41 +0000

I think the saddest thing about this story is the fact that it had to be decided in a civil court. I can’t help wondering if this is motivated more by bitter rivalry between divorced parents rather the spiritual welfare and best interests of the child.

By: Goy

Goy — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 20:33:56 +0000

@Gordon,

“That’s quite an old fashioned view these days.”

At what point in the historical record are you thinking of concerning the conflating of race and religion?

By: Gordon

Gordon — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 11:07:55 +0000

Interesting. The court has taken the view that religion is an issue of choice, not of birth. That’s quite an old fashioned view these days. If this was applied more widely then religion in general would have less influence in society (as a lot of the political influence comes from conflating race and religion).

By: David Keen

David Keen — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 07:30:16 +0000

Dad supports, mum opposes, this would be an interesting one for Fathers 4 Justice as well.

I occasionally face this when people approach us for baptisms, when there are children from a previous relationship, I try to find out whether the other parent is happy with them being baptised. It’s a tricky one – does the other parent have less say in this the less involved they are? Do they have equal say, even if they never have any contact (and whose fault might that be anyway?), and how much weight does the childs consent carry? It would be a shame if this stuff was decided for us by the law courts, but having said that, it might make it a bit easier than making tricky judgment calls!!