Some of you from the United States, have contacted me regarding the news report of the Mr. Christopher Savoie. For those who are unfamiliar with the news story, Mr. Savoie came to Japan to reclaim his children that were taken to Japan by his ex-wife, a Japanese citizen. Mr. Savoie has been granted partial custody in their US divorce and his ex-wife was barred from taking the children to Japan. However, she took the children and is now living near Fukuoka, Japan. Mr. Savoie came, took his children as they were walking to school and tried to reach the US consulate. However, he was arrested for abduction before he could reach the consulate. The Japanese court does not recognize US law on this matter. Furthermore, Christopher and his wife were also married in Japan where they lived for a time before the divorce. They have not filed a divorce in Japan.
His children were returned to his ex-wife and Mr. Savoie went to Japanese jail. He was recently released. As has been noted in other places, Japan does not recognize divorce and divorce with children the same way as in other countries. Also Japan has not signed some international treaties regarding the issue of divorce, children and spousal rights in international, cross-cultural marriages.
Here is another story on a similar vein. This is a link to the story of Spencer and his father Craig. Craig and Spencer came once to our English worship service and some of us heard about his story. CNN has recently aired a newscast about this particular story.
http://www.edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/10/13/japan.us.custody.battles/index.html
Thanks for you support and keep Craig and Spencer in your prayers. If you would like to support Craig their is a place to donate at http://www.foreverfathers.com
If you are particularly interested in the issue of international divorce and custodial rights in Japan there are several petitions available to make your voices heard.
Thank you.
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