[stella]

Elizabeth,

I'm sorry I didn't clarify! First off, when I use the term 'Christian,' I am referring to Catholics as well. I don't differentiate between the two, and I don't know why this message board does (separate forums for 'Christians' and Catholics).

My only point is that it DOES matter if one is religious and practicing their faith. It says a lot about their bond to their community, each other, and their commitment to maintaing those bonds. Those are positive things that very clearly come with practicing one's faith!

A non religious couple CAN uphold standards (I have never beleived that they couldn't), but from a perceived point of view, when a birth mother is looking to place her child, I would imagine it is a bit more difficult to decipher where a non religious family stands on moral/family issues. If a couple says we are practicing __________s (fill in the blank), it gives a clear picture of where that family is coming from, and how they will raise the child.

I hope that clarifies my point a little better. I don't think we are saying terribly different things... perhaps I'm just not wording this well.

Stella