Judge Orders Maine Mom Not to Take Her Daughter to Church or Read Her the Bible

The Maine Supreme Judicial Court is set to weigh in on whether a lower court overstepped its limits when it barred a mother from reading the Bible to her 12-year-old daughter or taking her to church.

The state's high court heard oral arguments last week in the case of Bickford v. Bradeen — a battle between judicial authority and parental rights. Liberty Counsel, a faith-based non-profit legal group, is representing Emily Bickford. She is challenging a December 2024 custody order that prohibits her from bringing her daughter, Ava, to Calvary Chapel in Portland, Maine.

According to Liberty Counsel, Bickford and Ava's father, Matthew Bradeen, never wed after becoming pregnant with their daughter. Bickford maintained primary custody of Ava, while Bradeen had visitation rights.