Court Drops Counselor Accused Of Inserting God Into Co-Parenting Classes

Source: Huffington Post

Court Drops Counselor Accused Of Inserting God Into Co-Parenting Classes

An Albuquerque woman said she was required to pray during the court-ordered sessions.

Ruby Mellen

Posted: 09/25/2015 05:09 PM EDT

A state trial court in Albuquerque, New Mexico, ended its relationship this week with a mediation provider who allegedly required single mother Holly Salzman to participate in prayer and religious assignments as part of court-ordered family counseling.

Albuquerque news station KRQE first reported the split, and The Huffington Post confirmed the news with Salzman. A court spokesman did not immediately return a request for comment.

The New Mexico Second District Court's decision to terminate ties with counseling provider Mary Pepper comes after KRQE reported last week on Salzman's troubled experience with her.

Salzman, who is engaged in a custody dispute over her 11-year-old twins, was directed by the court to begin taking classes with Pepper in November. She said she was surprised to find the counselor incorporating religious handouts, prayer and assignments of spiritual reflection into each session. Pepper chastised Salzman for her support for abortion access and often asked her what God would have her do in various situations, Salzman told The Huffington Post.

Read more: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/custody-dispute-prayer-albuquerque_56040bb7e4b00310edfa3678