“To Such as These, the Kingdom of Heaven Belongs”: Religious Faith as a Foundation for Children’s Rights

Abstract

When the topic of religion enters discourse on children's rights, all too often it is to lament the influence of certain religions on the status and well-being of children. In many instances, churches often have left tasks undone when they could have contributed affirmatively to children's status and well-being. Whether because of inadequate attention, misplaced priorities, or theological conservatism, many (maybe even most) churches have neglected to weave safety nets for children and families throughout the community, even when those same institutions have vigorously sought to prevent church-based child abuse. Moreover, some congregations and religious movements have occasionally—even frequently—taken actions that were arguably contrary to children's interests. Those organizations have actively and even specifically striven to create and sustain a climate that has impeded recognition and implementation of children's rights. Although there is clearly some foundation for concern, therefore, about an expanded engagement by communities of faith in matters pertaining to children's rights, the bigger message—the idea that drives most of the remainder of this chapter—people of faith and the religious organizations of which they are a part can and should be leading forces in achieving realization of children's rights. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2015 APA, all rights reserved). (chapter)