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Choice of religious affiliation is a parental right under the law and it cannot be denied while parental rights are intact even if the right of custody has been suspended (not terminated) by a court.
I would absolutely honor and respect the parents' wishes in the matter of a child under age 16 and the child's wishes 16 and up with the exception of going to a place of worship that promotes illegal, violent, or hateful activities.
Before TPR, our fd/niece attended church with us with her parents' permission. She still attends post-TPR and going into adoption and will be dedicated there post-adoption.
FD's mother is Christian and wanted her to have some exposure to that as well so we joined a local Christian church activity for a year. My biod went, too. Additionally our RE curriculum covers the Abrahamic faiths' histories, belief systems, and traditions.
I would never, ever, take any child to any religious event or service without permission. Yes, absolutely I would get a babysitter to accommodate that if necessary. If a preference for a particular religion was stated--and I would do what I could to be sure the parent had been asked--I would also either take the child myself if possible or find a cleared and responsible member of that church community to transport and sponsor the child there.
I know many people say "what's the harm? Church is good for you" and they mean well, but not all churches are the same and some churches do harm children in some ways in some people's views. Most people do not see their own church as potentially harmful, but they need to accept the fact that others might and that needs to be respected whether or not they agree. If someone took my biod to a church I did not or would not choose--especially if she were younger--I would be furious.
Freedom of religion is such a fundamental right and responsibility, I do not think it can be dismissed when a child is entrusted to us. On the contrary, I think more focus should be put on giving the family the opportunity to think about and follow through on establishing themselves in a supportive spiritual community in which they feel comfortable if that is their choice. They shouldn't be pushed in any way, but if done constitutionally, certainly some education--as they would get on any community resources--on the benefits of such a community and the choices that are out there beyond what they may already be familiar with could be appropriate.
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