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Religion is, apparently, not "in" anymore, at least not the way it used to be, according
to a new poll. Results show that in a single generation the Christian Church drop-rate
has increased five-fold. That's a huge number. Goes on to show that "80% of people raised
in a church will disengage before they are 30." On the other hand, there are some people
who take religious devotion so seriously that they punish others for not sharing the same
beliefs. That's exactly what seems to have happened in an Indiana courtroom recently.
A father is fighting back after losing custody of his children in Indiana. Craig Scarberry
has shared 50/50 custody of his three kids with his ex-wife for 4 years. But when that
time was just recently reduced to 4 hours per week, he started digging to find out why,
and he had a shocker. The Judge wrote, "The father did not participate in the same religious
training as the mother ... father was agnostic." The ruling also stated, "... when the father
considered himself a Christian, the parties were able to communicate relatively effectively."
Craig Scarberry is now joining me from Indianapolis.
Cenk Uygur: Craig, first, how sure are you that this was the basis for the decision to
reduce time with your kids?
CS: Well, I don't see any other verifiable explanation. There are a few other things
that were listed on the order. However, we were able to refute all those things with
our own evidence while we were in court.
CU: So, did the judge write in the ruling ... we showed it of course .. but I'm just
so stunned by it. He really took the fact that you were agnostic into account? How does
anyone even justify that? Did you get to contest the idea? Did you get to fight back on that?
CS: They did address my religion with me on several different occasions during the hearings.
However, I never posed a situation for my children or ever forced my beliefs onto the
kids. Matter of fact, they continue to go to a christian daycare. When I had joint legal
I agreed to take them to Church functions such as the Mother's Day Choir. As well as
allow them to go to church with my mother who attends on a regular basis, in addition
to Church camp, those kinds of things. We were able to show that in no way, shape, or
form do my personal beleifs and decisions reflect onto the children at all.
CS:
Right. And I would agree with you there, but the point is, in order to establish or keep
joint legal custody with my ex, we have to be able to relatively communicate about things
like education and religion, which is obviously important to her. So I in no way, shape or
form wanted to interrupt that, or deny my children the opportunity or their freedom
to explore what truths they feel are best for their lives.
CU: Craig, you're a lot more understanding of this than I am. If I was you I'd demand,
in return, "Hey, are you going to bring them to agnostic camp?" Have you made any demands
for your beliefs? This is a giant constitutional issue! Don't you have the same rights as your
wife?
CS: Yes, and I have put together and received a permit in order to protest outside the government
office here on December 16th in order to stand up for equal rights and religious freedom
that we all have here in this nation. It's not just a matter of agnostics versus Christianity
or religion in general. If we allow them to be able to dictate what's preferred over another,
who knows where this country will go?
CU: Are you appealing this? Saying, "Hey, this Judge can't decide this based on things
that are clearly unconstitutional?
CS: We're going to the courts tomorrow to fight a notice of appeal. We're also requesting
that the state cover that filing fee as well as the transcript for the appeal. I'm still
searching for reasonable council, I have an Indiana custodial rights group that's helping
me with making sure that my paperwork is filed on time and legit, as far as wording and that
kind of thing. But yes, we are working on that.
CU: Craig Scarberry, thank you very much. We asked Craig's ex-wife or her lawyer at
least to come on
and speak with us, but they said they'd get back to us tomorrow.