Christian Couple Woes

With infertility becoming less of a taboo subject, more people are speaking out about their experience with infertility and building their families through Assisted Reproduction Technologies (ART), adoption, and third-party reproduction. Religious leaders are often very respected figures in their communities. Whether they realize it or not, they can often play a role in supporting and educating followers about the infertility experience as it relates to their faith.

Many of us who struggle with this issue might think of turning to our religious leader for comfort or encouragement, unfortunately, the words we have often heard back from them are less than reassuring. Many couples say that their faith communities are the least safe place when it comes to their fertility woes — a place that regularly hosts child-oriented rituals and ceremonies and that celebrates Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, elevating the stories of biological parenthood above all others.

The Statistics

From Pew Research of adult respondents 55% of Catholics, 48% of Protestants, and 44% of white evangelicals have used fertility treatments.

What’s Wrong With Seeking Fertility Help?

God created everything for a reason. My faith teaches me that God created medicine and Doctors to assist us when our prayers are not enough. Unfortunately, some faith leaders believe couples who visit fertility clinics are ‘playing God.’

Another issue is some faith leaders believe introducing a surrogate into the relationship to carry the child or use donor sperm or eggs is committing adultery.

These statements and beliefs can be damaging, not just for the couple, but the congregation.

How Should The Church Approach Infertility

A more compassionate response is the way to go when discussing such a sensitive topic. As a Church community, we should put ourselves in their shoes, realize how difficult these decisions are, and support the couple’s choice.

We should be encouraging, as well as referring them to faith leaders experienced in this topic, to help them explore God’s perspective on their journey.

Dear God,

Help us to be compassionate to those who struggle to have children. Let us remember you created Physicians for the sole purpose of helping us through our health battles. Whether that be sickness or infertility. Help them find a faith leader who can help them explore Your Perspective on their infertility journey, so that they may be a living example for others.- Amen

This quick bake dessert, Cherries with Cinnamon Dumplings Recipe, is great for announcing good news! It is an old-fashioned dessert made by simmering fruit with cinnamon dumplings that soak up the delicious syrup as they cook. Share it with family and friends. Happy Cooking.

Cherries With Cinnamon Dumplings Recipe

Ingredients

2 bags (16 oz) Frozen dark sweet cherries
1/3 cup plus 1 Tablespoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 Cup all-purpose flour (Spooned and Leveled)
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup whole milk
Ice cream, for serving (Optional)

Cooking Directions

Combine cherries and 1/3 cup sugar in a large skillet.
Bring to a boil over high heat.
Reduce heat to medium-high heat.
Simmer rapidly until syrupy (8-10 minutes)
In a small bowl; combine cinnamon and remaining Tablespoon sugar; set aside.
Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, and salt; gradually stir in milk, mixing, just until a wet dough forms.
Reduce heat to medium-low.
Spoon Tablespoons of dough(It should make about 18) over simmering fruit; sprinkle all with cinnamon sugar.
Cover skillet; simmer very gently until dumplings are ser and dry to the touch, 10-12 minutes.
Serve warm, with ice cream if desired.