The Maine Supreme Judicial Court is reviewing whether a lower court went too far when it prohibited a mother from taking her 12-year-old daughter to church or even reading the Bible with her. Liberty Counsel, a Christian legal organization, represents Emily Bickford, who is challenging a December 2024 custody order that bars her from bringing her daughter, Ava, to Calvary Chapel in Portland or exposing her to religious activities without the father’s approval.
The conflict escalated after Ava, who had attended Calvary Chapel for three years, chose to be baptized and told her father. Liberty Counsel claims Bradeen reacted angrily and brought in an expert who labeled Calvary Chapel and similar Bible-believing churches as harmful “cults.” The district court ultimately ruled in his favor, finding Bickford “a fit parent except for the fact that she is a Christian,” according to Liberty Counsel’s statement.
The resulting order is sweeping: Ava cannot attend church events, visit Christian friends, read the Bible, or associate with members of Calvary Chapel. Even attending weddings, funerals, or holiday services would be off-limits unless her father approved. Liberty Counsel argues the order strips Bickford of her First Amendment rights and isolates Ava from her faith community. “The implications of this order pose a serious threat to religious freedom,” said Mat Staver, Founder and Chairman of the Liberty Counsel. The Maine Supreme Judicial Court is expected to issue its ruling in the coming weeks.
