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Norwegian Christian Family Regains Custody of Youngest Son

  • Veronica Neffinger

    Veronica Neffinger wrote her first poem at age seven and went on to study English in college, focusing on 18th century literature. When she is not listening to baseball games, enjoying the…

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  • Updated Apr 06, 2016

A Norwegian family has regained custody of their baby son after a judge ruled in their favor.

The Bodnariu family has been engaged in an ongoing battle to regain custody of their children after Norway’s controversial Barnevernet child welfare service took their children away from them after it was discovered that the parents spanked their children to discipline them. The Bodnarius were accused of child abuse and religious indoctrination.

Although corporal punishment is illegal in Norway, many protested the Barnevernet’s removal of the Bodnariu’s children. Christian Today reports that a petition calling for the return of all the children to their family has been signed by around 60,000 people. Additionally, hundreds of Christians have protested outside Norwegian embassies across Europe.

Marius and Ruth Bodnariu moved back to Norway, Ruth’s home country, 10 years ago to start a family. The Barnevernet especially monitors families who moved to the country from other places or who are mixed. Marius Bodnariu is originally from Romania.

Although the family has regained custody of their youngest child, Ezekiel, their fight continues to regain custody of their other four children.

"This ruling is a step in the judicial process and does NOT end the Bodnariu's appeal or fight to regain full and unhindered custody of ALL of their FIVE children. The battle for the children continues!” wrote the family’s spokesman, Pastor Cristian Ionescu, in a statement.

Pastor Ionescu urged supporters of the Bodnarius to join a day of protest on April 16. 

Publication date: April 6, 2016