In the Forum: Adoption and Religion

Adoption and religion seem to go hand in hand. Many churches offer social and adoption services and counseling for unwed mothers.

As I work with foster and adoptive parents, I have heard many times the words, "we feel that God has called us on this mission". The mission is foster care and adoption. Is it a mission to adopt a child? I feel parenting is a mission and I know that my husband and I have called upon God numerous times in our own parenting.

Some questions for discussion and thought:

• Do you think that the feeling that God has called you to foster or adopt is enough to start the process of fostering or adoption? Even when an adoption does not occur or does and fails....was the journey alone the mission?

• How does religion play a part for birth families in choosing adoption?

• Does it take a lot of faith for an adoptee to go on with life without knowing her history or biological roots?

• How does religion impact adoption? Did it impact yours?(we're talking positively as well as negatively.) And - we, of course, do not need to stay within the bounds of Christianity for this discussion.

(My only request is that the discussion is civil and respectful - no bashing of various religions.) Let's explore this area - it's a big one! Please post to the forum so we can get a great, long standing discussion going!

Also, I recently received an email from someone needing Bible verses regarding adoption - if you know of some that are important to you as an adoptee, adoptive parent, or birth parent - please share.