Church bars severely autistic boy from mass

Church bars severely autistic boy from mass

By PAM LOUWAGIE and CURT BROWN, Star Tribune
Last update: May 17, 2008

The priest of the small-town parish fears injuries from the teen's behavior, but autism advocates are rallying behind his parents. The boy's mother says: "I can't discipline him out of his autism, and I think that's what our priest is expecting."

Standing more than six feet tall and weighing more than 225 pounds, 13-year-old Adam Race cuts an imposing figure for his age.

Adam is also severely autistic, and his meltdowns during mass at the Catholic church in Bertha, Minn., have prompted a public battle between the parish priest and Adam's parents.

The Rev. Daniel Walz, disturbed by what he said is Adam's dangerous behavior, filed court papers to bar him from the Church of St. Joseph with a temporary restraining order against his parents. The Races are ignoring the order, which they see as discriminatory, and getting support from advocates for the disabled.

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Comment what you would do:

A) Ban him from church (Which could affect not only the family, but people suffering with similar diseases/problems, and liability, etc.)

B) Allow him to continue to go (which could cause safety issues, major distractions, liability, etc.)

C) Create a seperate room for disabilitized people and their families to sit in that is distraction free for the rest of the congregation, and yet provides a view, and audio of the sermon/mass. This could also become a place for people with disabilities to meet other like christians. (which would cost money, and if they are the only ones in the room, could be embarassing, and a good reason not to even go.)

D) Other...explain!