Scottish Catholic Observer

Scotland is rallying in support of St Margaret’s Children and Family Care Society after the Catholic charity’s future was placed in jeopardy by the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR).

The Glasgow-based Catholic adoption agency, believed to be the last of its kind in the UK, was threatened with the loss of its charitable status last week after watchdogs, prompted by a National Secular Society complaint, criticised its practice of only placing children for joint adoption by married couples, in accordance with Church teaching.

The Scottish Government has publicly stated that it wishes to help St Margaret’s to continue its work, which is valued in the community.

“We are disappointed by the outcome of recent considerations on St Margaret’s and the effect it could have on the children they help,” a government spokesman said. “The agency has helped hundreds of children find safe, loving homes and we are meeting representatives of St Margaret’s soon to discuss how they can continue their important work.

“We are considering various issues at the moment.”

One couple in Motherwell Diocese currently going through the adoption process told the SCO that they would have been at a loss without St Margaret’s.

“My husband and I are in the final stages of adopting our two amazing children, aged 2 and 7 and a half months, with the support of St Margaret’s,” Em Bradley said. “Having spoken to other couples who have found the adoption process through the local authorities both protracted and impersonal we feel very fortunate in comparison. St Margaret’s have led us through the process in an efficient and supportive manner. Their professionalism has been thoroughly appreciated.

“Adoption is a daunting process and  St Margaret’s provides a unique environment. They manage to create an atmosphere of belonging to the society amongst adopters. I would have no hesitation in picking up the phone to ask for help if needed and I know a number of adopters who feel the same way. As a non-practising Catholic, I am also glad to say that St Margaret’s welcomes prospective adopters from all faiths and none. I would be very disappointed if the St Margaret’s team was unable for any reason to provide this invaluable service.”

Following a complaint from the National Secular Society, which described St Margaret’s policy as ‘sectarian decision-making’ and ‘publicly financed crude discrimination,’ an announcement from the OSCR stated: “The criteria it applies to people who inquire about assessment as prospective adoptive parents discriminates unlawfully against same-sex couples. The charity’s preferred criteria prioritises couples who have been married for at least two years: marriage is not available to same-sex couples and this constitutes direct discrimination.”

A spokesman for St Margaret’s said that the agency was made aware of the complaint by the regulator and was currently considering the best way forward. The spokesman added that the Scottish Government has highlighted its support for the work of St Margaret’s.

“We have been notified of a complaint by the charity regulator,” the spokesman said. “We are now in the process of consultation with our legal advisors and with the bishops to consider the best way forward. We will also be meeting with the Scottish Government next week, and they have publicly stated that they wish to help St Margaret’s to continue its work.”

The spokesman also added that the adoption agency has been ‘heartened’ by the strong support it has received following last week’s announcement.

“We are heartened by the messages of support from across Scotland from those who see the importance of the work we do,” he said.

Friends and supporters of St Margaret’s have spoken of their fears that the Glasgow-based Catholic adoption agency faces a ‘change or close’ scenario.

Andrew Walker, a retired social worker, highlighted Pope Benedict XVI’s words that ‘a Christian should not be afraid to stand up against society.’

“Let us all stand up in protest at this preposterous threat of ‘change or close,’” Mr Walker told the SCO.

The OSCR has issued a direction to St Margaret’s, instructing it to amend its procedures and assessment criteria to meet the requirements of the Equality Act. The agency has until April 22, 2013 to do so or risk losing its charitable status.

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—This story was reported in full in the February 1 print edition of the SCO