Maine Court Upholds Father’s Final Say Over 11-Year-Old’s Church Attendance

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Sep 3

Tuesday’s ruling left in place a 2024 order giving Matthew Bradeen final authority over whether his daughter attends Calvary Chapel Greater Portland, joins church activities or interacts with church members other than her mother.
Maine’s top court said the order stemmed from the parents’ inability to co-parent on religion and from evidence the child was harmed by messages portraying Bradeen as an enemy and causing anxiety, including a panic attack tied to Rapture teachings.
A key episode was a 6½-minute church prayer during the custody fight in which the pastor named the parents and child nearly 30 times, called Bradeen “in need of salvation,” and framed the case as an attack on God’s word.
The court said the ruling was not based on hostility to the mother’s beliefs, and the parents still share responsibility for other religious exposure; if they disagree, Bradeen has the final say.
Liberty Counsel, representing Emily Bickford, said it plans to seek U.S. Supreme Court review within 90 days, arguing the order violates her First Amendment rights.