Catholic Social Services Splits From Illinois Diocese, Will Offer Same-Sex Adoptions

Catholic Social Services splits from Illinois diocese, will offer same-sex adoptions
November 11, 2011
Pledging to adhere to state legislation requiring equal treatment for same-sex couples in adoption
and foster-care services, Catholic Social Services of Southern Illinois is separating from the Diocese
of Belleville. The agency will now be called Christian Social Services of Illinois.
“The Catholic Diocese of Belleville has announced that Catholic Social Services of Southern Illinois
(CSS), consistently one of the most highly rated providers of foster care and other social services in
the State of Illinois, is separating from the Diocese of Belleville,” the diocese said in a statement. “It
will no longer be connected to or sponsored by the Diocese.”
“Unable to remain faithful to the moral teaching of the Catholic Church while adhering to the
Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act, the 64-year-old social service agency
chose to disassociate from the Diocese. It is hoped that this new entity will experience no
interruption in its services and programs.”
“Catholic Social Services, incorporated in 1947 as Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Belleville,
will separate from The Catholic Diocese of Belleville,” the agency said in a separate statement.
“This action is being taken so that the agency, which will be known as Christian Social Services of
Illinois, may adhere to the new State of Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union
Act.”
“This solution is what is best for the children by providing for their continuity of care and allowing
for the retention of the caring, dedicated and professional staff employed by the agency,” said Gary
Huelsmann, the agency¶s executive director