On April 20, the State Board of Social Services correctly upheld the right of faith-based agencies to continue their great work without government intrusion into the practice of their faith.  Faith-based agencies have a right, under federal and state law, to make decisions that are consistent with their religious beliefs, including their beliefs about marriage and family life.  This right must be respected and preserved. 

As practicing Catholic adoptive parents, we are keenly aware that many adoptive parents - and many birthparents - hold religious beliefs.  We firmly believe that they/we have the right to work with agencies that share these beliefs. Forcing agencies and individuals to choose between following their own values and following the law would be an unprecedented violation of religious freedom in Virginia. 

Religious freedom is foundation to our Commonwealth and our country.  Faith-based agencies provide invaluable services to our community and must be allowed to continue to serve adoptive families, birth parents, and children in the ways they have been doing.

Sincerely,

John and Mary Cannarella