Faith, Belonging, and the Protection of "Our" Children

Abstract

Child welfare and protection provides an important context for situating religion in the lives of children and for investigating the relations among children, parents, communities and state. Usually represented in law through the language of parental rights, the religious affiliation of children plays a significant role in individual development. In affecting family life, religious communities co-exist, compete and cooperate with the state at a public authoritative level. Given that connections to religion can be both enriching and destructive for children, meaningful child protection incorporates respect for a spectrum of childrearing practices, articulates reasons for intervention, and implies a multifaceted response to religion-related harm.