Church Can Exclude Autistic Boy: Judge Decides

[StColette]

[quote name='Ookami' post='1588998' date='Jul 2 2008, 09:47 AM']A possible solution could be having the family sit in a cry room area. You know how some churches have sound proof rooms in the back for families with babies. if a cry room was added exclusivley for the family they could come to church 10 mins early and leave 10 mins late 2 avoid unwanted run-ins with the elderly. If church is that important to the family they would be willing to make sacrifices. The church could have a fund raiser to raise enough money for the cry room. this whole situation is sad![/quote]

There have been issues with him picking up small children and rubbing them across his lap. I would not place him in a cry room where there are probably many small children and families who might get alarmed if he starts doing that.

As for the right for everyone to attend Church, the priest has offered to have private Mass with the family at their home or set up an area in their parish hall for them. The mother refused both options. The Church has tried to reach some middle ground with the family. They want him to be able to know God and attend Mass that's why they gave them the different options.

[CatherineM]

Saying the church discriminates against the disabled is like saying it discriminates against active homosexuals, or women. The church is as it always has been, and society is what changes around it. 1000 years ago this child probably wouldn't have lived to be 13. I know that I wouldn't have survived with my disabilities back then. I get upset when everyone gets excited that the church may return to kneeling only communion, not because I don't think the church should, or doesn't have the right to, I get upset because I know it is going to be another challenge to my full participation. If it happens, I will adapt, and make whatever concessions I have to to be an active participant in the parish. The church doesn't owe us anything. We have no entitlements. That's just our American way of thinking about things. We all want what we want, when we want it, and if we don't get our way, we stomp our feet and run off to lawyers. I think universities should be required to train two mediators for free for every law school graduate they churn out.

[Lil Red]

[quote name='Ookami' post='1588998' date='Jul 2 2008, 07:47 AM']This is still discrimination against the disabled. Yes there is an obvious problem that needs a solution but everyone has a right to go to church! A possible solution could be having the family sit in a cry room area. You know how some churches have sound proof rooms in the back for families with babies. if a cry room was added exclusivley for the family they could come to church 10 mins early and leave 10 mins late 2 avoid unwanted run-ins with the elderly. If church is that important to the family they would be willing to make sacrifices. The church could have a fund raiser to raise enough money for the cry room. this whole situation is sad![/quote]
+J.M.J.+
please read the whole thread, this has been addressed.