May 25: Mother of autistic teen gets symbolic support as she prepares for court

Parents of other autistic kids will attend the church in her absence while she battles a restraining order.

By DAVID PHELPS, Star Tribune

Last update: July 1, 2008 - 12:05 PM

Carol Race, the Todd County woman banned from church because of the behavior of her autistic son, Adam, said Sunday that parents of other autistic children have volunteered to sit in her customary pew while she fights the restraining order that keeps her from attending mass at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Bertha, Minn.

Race said she has commitments for the month of June from parents willing to drive several hours to attend Sunday services at St. Joseph's.

In addition to the symbolic support, Race said she hopes to begin meeting soon with church officials in an effort to work out a compromise with the Rev. Daniel Walz and St. Joseph's so Adam can return to church services. She said representatives from the Diocese of St. Cloud have been invited to observe the proceedings.

Race also said a lay mediator has been asked to serve as a go-between for her and the church.

Sunday calls to St. Joseph's and the Diocese of St. Cloud seeking comment were not returned.

Adam, 13, is more than 6 feet tall and weighs more than 225 pounds. In court papers, the church described Adam's conduct as disruptive and violent and said that some parishioners felt threatened.

The church's turn to court action has sparked concern among advocates for developmentally disabled children. The case also has drawn national media attention.

"There definitely are good signs there," Race said of the support. "I'm more encouraged now because I think it's important for someone in the diocese to understand what is going on."

Race also is preparing for an appearance in Todd County District Court in a week on a citation for violating the restraining order by taking Adam to church on Mother's Day earlier this month. She said she expects to represent herself in court.

In the meantime, the Race family has been attending Christ the King Church in Browerville, Minn.

David Phelps • 612-673-7269

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