A Letter from our Chief Executive Officer
Recently, on September 16, 2019, Federal Judge Robert Jonker found the Michigan Attorney General and the state are discriminating towards faith-based agencies, specifically St. Vincent Catholic Charities. He prohibited the state from terminating or suspending contracts with St. Vincent Catholic Charities because of our protected religious exercise, and this order will stay in place while the case continues.
Additionally, Judge Jonker ruled that Michigan’s new state adoption policy was contrary to state and federal law and denied most elements of the state’s motion to dismiss the case, which allows litigation to proceed.
The decision from Judge Jonker comes none too soon, as our contract for adoption services with the state expires on September 30, and will now be renewed. This ruling ensures that faith-based agencies, like ours, can continue working with the state to find more homes for foster children.
As a Catholic agency, we want to continue our mission to serve the most vulnerable children. We are grateful we still have the opportunity to do what we do best: unite children with loving families.
I will continue to keep you updated as the case proceeds. Thank you for your continued support of St. Vincent Catholic Charities.
Gratefully,
Andrea E. Seyka
Chief Executive Officer