Maine custody dispute restricts child's religious activities

A custody dispute in Portland, Maine, has raised concerns regarding religious freedom and the rights of parents to involve their children in religious practices. The case involves Emily Bickford and her ex-boyfriend, Matthew A. Bradeen, who shares 50/50 custody of their daughter, Ava.

According to legal representatives from Liberty Counsel, Bradeen sought to restrict the child’s involvement with Calvary Chapel of Greater Portland. Bradeen hired a cult expert to monitor sermons and argued that attending church was harmful to the child and their relationship.

The resulting legal order reportedly restricts the child from participating in any services, gatherings, or events associated with Calvary Chapel. It also limits the child’s access to any material, literature, or video published by the church, and restricts communication with any church members other than Bickford.