Monday was supposed to be Zoey Parker’s first day of kindergarten, but the parents were asked to attend a meeting at the school during the weekend.
According to Emily, 28, the pastor told them that Bible Baptist Academy was a religious-based institution that teaches more than just academics – adding that marriage is between a man and woman only, as per what is taught at the school.
Bible Baptist Academy has since addressed the recent events in a statement on its website, which says the school is “committed to instructing and living in accordance with the teachings of Scripture”.
“We believe that the Bible teaches that every life has value and that there is dignity in all of us because we have been created in the image of God,” the statement continues.
“The Bible also teaches us to love everyone with the love of God despite their personal choices. We strive to teach this to the students who attend. We encourage them to show love and compassion to everyone. As a Baptist academy, we are also committed to provide an environment that is consistent with the beliefs that we hold. We want our students to not only know our beliefs, but we want them to see them as well. Regarding personal relationships, we hold that those relationships, whether in dating or in marriage, should be between a man and a woman.”
“We live in wonderful country! We have been granted the freedom to worship as we see fit. And as a Christian institution, we are protected by federal laws that give us the opportunity to teach and practice our beliefs.”
The school said it feels ‘deeply’ that its first obligation is to God and ‘being faithful to Him, acknowledging how, at times, its commitment to upholding such Christian values will not ‘line up with the values of other people.
“This should not be interpreted that we have any hatred or malice toward them,” the statement said.
“We are just as committed to loving all people as we are to holding to Bible principles that people may not agree with or may not understand.”
After their story went viral on social media, Jennifer shared they have received endless support from people in the community. In addition, they have gotten offers from other private schools for Zoey’s admission.
Jennifer told the TV station that the family was grateful after receiving support from the community, and added they had received offers from other Christian schools in the area for Zoey to attend.
“It’s a blessing in disguise,” Jennifer Parker said. “We have an opportunity to bring her to a school which is a little closer and it’s a new opportunity for her to make new friends.”
Leave a Comment