My Ex-wife had my daughter christened without my knowledge. I have good contact with my daughter and have never had any legal problems regarding consent before. Where do I stand? I am not religious at all and have always said that if my daughter decided to follow any religeon, as long as it was her choice, I would respect it. I feel it is wrong for anyone to decide someone elses religion.
2006-10-04 06:25:32 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Family & Relationships ➔ Marriage & Divorce
Yes it's legal to do so, but it's morally wrong for her to do that.
I agree with you that no one should decide another persons religion for them.
2006-10-04 06:28:58 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've always thought a christening/baptism was a sort of placeholder, something to tide the child over until they reach an age when they can make an informed decision.
As a parent, you obviously know that a baby or young child isn't capable of mature decisions regarding their nutritution, bedtime, toy purchases, etc - you have to make those decisions for them until they reach the "age of reason" and can decide for themselves. Same thing here - a baby can't possibly choose which religion and sect is appropriate for her spiritual needs, so you and/or her mother have the right to select what you feel would be good and healthy for her until she decides.
It was probably legal, but still very wrong of your ex-wife to hold such an important event without your knowledge - she should have informed and invited you ahead of time. If your ex intends to involve your daughter actively in a specific religion, you should both make an effort to expose her to other religions as well during her upbringing so she can learn the value and purpose - and in some cases the hypocrisy and emptiness - behind each.
2006-10-04 06:40:35 · answer #2 · answered by teresathegreat 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You might not be religous, but she might have done it for her peace of mind. This should not be something to be upset over, you daughter can still make a choice in anything she wants to be. Does it hurt you in some way? I would not be upset about it.
My friend has a Muslim husband and she explained to him she would not feel comfortable until her daughter was christened, he agreed to let her do it, even though the daughter is being raised Muslim, just so she could have peace of mind.
2006-10-04 06:40:14 · answer #3 · answered by Cheryl F 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just because a child is christened, does not mean that she must follow that particular belief. especially if the child was to small to give her own consent. It does imply that your wife has made a commitment to raise this child in this particular church. You can approach the particular church and present your objection to the church, I am not sure if it will change anything but they Will be aware of you thoughts on the matter and you can advise your daughter on this with a good conscience
2006-10-04 06:38:15 · answer #4 · answered by rkilburn410 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't blow it out of proportion. I'm a full blown Wiccan but my mother had my son Christened (w/o my knowledge, consent, anything.) I'm not too bothered. It made her feel better, my son got a nice candle, and now my kid is free to choose his own path.
If she wants you daughter to become Christian then you do have a tough road. BUT remember...Religion doesn't make people bad, people make religion bad.
You will still be able to influence how she learns and uses her religious knowledge.
Good luck.
2006-10-04 06:49:27 · answer #5 · answered by Lotus Phoenix 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes its legal, but in your divorce papers you should of been told so you could attend. To not bring religion into your childs life would be wrong, its better to have your child in bible studies, church, g.a's and at church activies then on the streets learning drugs, gangs, sex etc. If introducting GOD to your child in your eyes is wrong then thats on you. What makes you think your daughter didnt do this by choice? Most ministers/fathers dont christen a child sceaming no dont i dont want to be christened, i want to be like my daddy and believe their is no God.
2006-10-04 06:33:31 · answer #6 · answered by letthepartybeginnow 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When i was a kid my family took me to a baptist chruch,got me saved and the hole ten miles.You know what i still love God but i don`t really care for any religion. It can not get you in to heaven any way.From what i know on one person can get you in ti heaven ,and that`s J.C..So don`t get up set when the time comes she will be where God wants her.Just keep loving her and doing what is wright so that she can see it working in life.As far as legal who`s law are you thinking of? Oh yes,ask your self what do you mean when you say someone elses religion? Or is there something else under there that you are not facing your self between you and your wife? Just think about it.Pray about it,the hole thing just pray about it .
2006-10-04 06:51:32 · answer #7 · answered by Step 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes it is legal, because it is a religious rite not a legal concern. However, if you have concerns you should speak with your lawyer because that person can help you coordinate what you and your ex do from a religious standpoint. You did not say how old your daughter is and this may be a factor.
2006-10-04 06:33:29 · answer #8 · answered by sev1 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you have joint legal custody, and if there are no orders on how religion is handled, then what occurred was legal.
It probably would have been nicer if your ex discussed it with you first, but it wasn't necessary.
If you have sole legal custody, it was not legal for your ex to do it.
Sounds like it may be time to start talking about religion with your daughter, so she doesn't think you're unapproachable on it.
www.CustodyIQ.com
2006-10-04 06:34:54 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
As long as one parent consents to the procedure, I think its fair,its done already. Give your unending love and support to your daughter. Take good care of the precious child.
2006-10-04 06:29:54 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋