Scottish Catholic Observer

THE charity, the last Catholic adoption agency in England, had hoped that an appeal limiting services for homosexuals on religious grounds would allow it to continue to operate, but the Charity Commission ruled homosexuals are suitable parents and that Catholic teaching could not justify discrimination against gay couples hoping to adopt.

Catholic Care is the last society to remain active, despite the anti-discrimination law of 2007 which forced the closure of 12 Catholic agencies in England and Wales in 2008.

After over 100 years in operation the Leeds based charity was determined to continue to serve the dioceses of Leeds, Middlesborough and Hallam.

Members spoke out against the legislation saying that it went against Catholic teaching on marriage and family life, even changing its constitution to state its commitment to placing children with heterosexual parents only.

However, this movewas ruled by the Charity Commission as providing inadequate justification for failing to provide adoption services for homosexual couples, and Catholic Care was left with no option but to cease its services.

In a statement following the decision, Catholic Care vowed to continue its work in whatever capacity it can.

“The charity is very disappointed with the outcome,” the statement said. “Catholic Care will now consider whether there is any other way in which the charity can continue to support families seeking to adopt children in need.

“In any event, Catholic Care will seek to register as an adoption support agency offering a service to those who were adopted in the past and are now seeking information about their background, and also to support adoptive parents already approved by Catholic Care.”