civil case or discrimnation

[justiceseeker12]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? PA

I was involved in a National Organization thats whole purpose is to come along side the sick and hurting. I would met once a week with a girl that was listening and supportive and helping just having an extra hear for my depression. They ask a lot of personal questions to receive a "caregiver" and I told them up front I was depressed, past sexual abuse and an eating disorder.
Their website says they give One-to-one Christian care to individuals experiencing a life crisis. Upon completion of their training, he commissioned them as "Stephen Ministers" and linked them with people with a variety of needs for care.
I am in therapy with a trained therapist that deals with my eating and depression. They met with my therapist and she was very much excited for me to have this extra Christian support. After they claimed "red flags' came they said they would not help me. My therapist assured them they would only provide spirtual support because my faith is so important to me she felt is was very good for me to stay with them. They stilll said no. No closure. Nothing. Is there any civil issue here or discrimination because of my disability that they were already aware of. It boggles my mind a Christian group would reject me help.What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

 

[cbg]

Just because you have a disability does not mean that they have a legal obligation to provide service to you. What reason did they give for not being able to help you?

 

[antrc170]

What is your disability? eating disorders, and depression are not disabilities

 

[Zigner]

What is your disability? eating disorders, and depression are not disabilities

 

[Antigone*]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? PA

I was involved in a National Organization thats whole purpose is to come along side the sick and hurting. I would met once a week with a girl that was listening and supportive and helping just having an extra hear for my depression. They ask a lot of personal questions to receive a "caregiver" and I told them up front I was depressed, past sexual abuse and an eating disorder.
Their website says they give One-to-one Christian care to individuals experiencing a life crisis. Upon completion of their training, he commissioned them as "Stephen Ministers" and linked them with people with a variety of needs for care.
I am in therapy with a trained therapist that deals with my eating and depression. They met with my therapist and she was very much excited for me to have this extra Christian support. After they claimed "red flags' came they said they would not help me. My therapist assured them they would only provide spirtual support because my faith is so important to me she felt is was very good for me to stay with them. They stilll said no. No closure. Nothing. Is there any civil issue here or discrimination because of my disability that they were already aware of. It boggles my mind a Christian group would reject me help.What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

If within the Stephen's ministry, your minister is not comfortable with your situation for ANY reason, it is to your benefit not to be ministered to. They do not have to disclose the "red flags" either.

If you need spiritual advice, I suggest looking for pastoral care with your church pastor.

 

[cbg]

What is your disability? eating disorders, and depression are not disabilities

Ah - yes they are.

However, that does not mean that this means they have a legal obligation to provide assistance, or that the poster has a civil right to receive it. Which is why I would like to hear from the poster what reason they gave for their refusal.

 

[antrc170]

Ah - yes they are.

However, that does not mean that this means they have a legal obligation to provide assistance, or that the poster has a civil right to receive it. Which is why I would like to hear from the poster what reason they gave for their refusal.

what context is depression and eating disorder a disability?

 

[Antigone*]

what context is depression and eating disorder a disability?

Google is your friend

 

[antrc170]

Being depressed and seeing a therepist does not automatically qualify as a disablity. The OP has shown no evidence that she would recieve any consideration as a depression disablity.

I also agree that the ministry has no obligation to serve her needs.

 

[Zigner]

Being depressed and seeing a therepist does not automatically qualify as a disablity. The OP has shown no evidence that she would recieve any consideration as a depression disablity.

I also agree that the ministry has no obligation to serve her needs.

I dub thee: Antrc170 the Backpedaler

 

[cbg]

If you are referring to qualifying under the ADA, you're right; they do not AUTOMATICALLY qualify. But it's possible to have a disability without it falling under the ADA.

For example, one can be disabled for purposes of receiving STD benefits without the ADA being involved. It's possible to be disabled for the purpose of having a handicapped placard for your car without the ADA being involved. And so on.

The fact that a condition does not automatically qualify for ADA protection does not mean that it is not a disability. By your definition, ONLY HIV/AIDS would be a disability since that is the ONLY condition that automatically qualifies.

 

[justiceseeker12]

I am on disability for anorexia, PTSD and severe depression. The girl I was meeting with we just talked about a bible study. They "caregivers" do have supervision 2xmonth. When she went she said my eating was a struggle. I met with the Stephens Ministry leaders(husband and wife) the wife said "she has to protect Stephen ministry and they weren't comfortable because my depression had gotten worse. My therapist was at the meeting and still is confused as to the reason since she is the one adressing my mental health needs.
I know there is probably nothing legally but I was hoping to find some advocacy groups. My dad is a pastor so it is a emotional issue when I see a huge church like this one turn someone away who wants help then the same people have community outreaches to draw people in.
Thanks for your input.