[MoonlightLoveAngel]

I identify as "generic Pagan". DH and I practice a little energy-based spellwork, and rely on what psychic abilities each of us. I have informed the adoption resource center that I am working with of this, that I'm looking for PAPs either in the Pagan spectrum or those who are non-religious and would allow the kid to study/pick their own path. While I'm not opposed to placing my baby with Christian parents (I went to church myself as a kid, converted out when I was in high school), my caseworker is aware that I don't want someone "off the deep end religious" (her joking phrasing). She is still contacting agencies for me and found at least three that have parents that she thinks will suit this preference. (My case is a little different in many ways, as two-mom, two-dad and single parents are my priority over a traditional hetero couple. Again, not opposed to male/female setups...hell, I'm in one. I identify as bi, so I can relate to both sides to a point.)

So how likely do any of you think I'll be matched? How often do Pagan PAPs state their religious affiliation? Or do you list "none", or "other"? DH and I practice as solitaries and have never been part of a Pagan community, so we're not famliar with very many others like ourselves, especially in the adoption spectrum.

I only really have experience with Christianity as an established religion. If I were presented with a Bhuddist, Hindu, Jewish, or Muslim PAP, I wouldn't automatically disqualify them either, but I am hoping for either Pagan or neutral PAPs.

[ProspectiveSingleMom]

I don't know much about paganism, but I know that the Unitarian Universalist religion (which I am affiliated with) is open to pagans as well people with diverse spiritual paths. So, if you see someone who lists their religion as "unitarian" or "unitarian universalist," they might be a good match for you. The UU religion is also supportive of gay rights issues, such as marriage equity and allowing gays/lesbians to be ministers.

[MoonlightLoveAngel]

Thanks for this tip. I'll be sure to keep an eye out for Unitarians and I'm about to read up on the subject. I had always thought they were a branch of Protestant Christianity, but in the space of a few sentences I've learned differently.

The More You Know *sparkle-stars*

[Tudu]

I would suggest a UU for the same reasons PSM said.

[ProspectiveSingleMom]

Originally Posted by MoonlightLoveAngel

Thanks for this tip. I'll be sure to keep an eye out for Unitarians and I'm about to read up on the subject. I had always thought they were a branch of Protestant Christianity, but in the space of a few sentences I've learned differently.

The More You Know *sparkle-stars*

They were originally "liberal Christians," but in recent decades they have come to accept non-Christian beliefs as legitimate expressions of spirituality as well.

[bpluvsmusic]

I'm on this website searching around for a couple of friends of mine. I'll say first that they are a hetero couple, although not even close to being your "typical" hetero couple. They are pagan, have been for a while and are having trouble with finding an adoption agency that will accept their religious beliefs. From what they've said, many of the legit agencies are christian based, and many require their adoptive parents to be christian also. While they could lie, they're not at all comfortable with that of course. So, as far as my experience goes, from hearing them talk, it might be hard to find a pagan couple for the mere reason that many agencies pretty much force couples who aren't christian to lie about their other beliefs or the couples who aren't christian just don't join agencies. My friends are actually at the end of their ropes as far as finding an agency goes. They tried to get pregnant for over two years and finally found out they couldn't so they really want to get the adoption process started.

[bellatinne]

I'm pagan and my husband is Catholic and we have been going through the state of Texas. We wanted to find a pagan adoption co. but there really are none out there. When I would find the christian ones I would say my husband is Christian does that count and they would tell me we both had to be. *Very Deep Sigh*

You see my husband practices with me more than he does his own religion, but don't tell his parent's that.

I told the truth to the Southren Bible belt Christian CPS workers that I was pagan and they flipped out! but I managed to save it all and I'm still on the track towards adoption. I have GFI plugs to change out and our home study is done!!!

My TRUE point to all this is that us pagan adoptive parents are out there and we are looking for families such as yourself. We are just scattered throughout the systems.

[GoddessDanu]

To the PP, I'm so sorry that you have to live underground with your faith. It's not fair and it's not right. As pagans we should be able to practice openly without fear.

I live openly as a pagan and so far the worst I have gotten is a Christian woman asking me if my pentagram was "the devil." Uh, yes lady, I wear the devil around my neck. Stupid people...

[MamaS]

There may be many people who are practicing Wiccan who find it safer not to admit it. This case was just reviewed in Arkansas -- the mother lost custody of her son to the father and one of the judge's expressed reasons was her religion:
http://courts.arkansas.gov/court_opi...21_Gladwin.pdf

[GoddessDanu]

I don't think she lost custody of her child because of being Wiccan. I think she lost custody of her child because she didn't take better care of him.

The US military now recognizes Wicca as a religion and will put pentagrams on headstones. If the government recognizes our religion then the courts must do the same. If this mother had been an exemplary caretaker I doubt the court would have found in favor of the father.

[GoddessDanu]

I just wanted to add that I'm not putting anyone down for being in the "broom closet," I was just saying that I think it's sad and I wished society would change.