Indiana Judge Prevents Father From Teaching Religion To Son

By Christina Rentz

Published on August 04, 2005

The decision, which was handed down by Marion Count Superior Court Commissioner Mary Ann Oldham, states the boy's parents must protect him from participation in non-mainstream religious beliefs and rituals. The decision was upheld by Superior Court Civil Judge Cale Bradford on appeal.

Tom Jones and his ex-wife Tammy Burch are both active practitioners of the Wicca faith, which emphasizes respect for the environment and personal liberties.

After meeting and falling in love at a local Wicca group, they married. Burch gave birth to their son Forest in 1999. The couple immediately introduced Forest to the Wicca religion and allowed him to participate in various Wicca rituals.

Like his father, Forest was enrolled into a local Catholic school when he was old enough to attend. Tom and Tammy wanted to give Forest the best education possible. Their choice had nothing to do with religion.

The court says that the conflict between the Catholic school education and the religious beliefs of the parents would cause confusion and emotional strain. The court claims it is not an attacking Wicca or the First Amendment. A spokeswoman for the court said the court has a duty to protect minor children from activities that could be detrimental to their well-being, regardless if such activities are associated with religious beliefs.

With assistance from the Indiana Civil Liberties Union, Tom and Tammy have filed another appeal in Indiana.

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