Some parishioners eye adoption of baby left in church manger

NEW YORK (AP) — Some parishioners at a New York City church where a newborn was left in a Christmas manger are interested in adopting the baby boy.

The Rev. Christopher Heanue told Newsday (http://nwsdy.li/1On5Ndn ) Saturday that a number of members of the Holy Child Jesus Church "would love to see him stay" in the congregation.

A custodian returned from lunch Monday to find the 5-pound baby in the church's nativity scene. The boy is now in the custody of child welfare authorities.

Queens prosecutors decided not to charge the baby's mother. District Attorney Richard Brown said she followed the spirit of a law that says a newborn can be dropped off anonymously at a church without fear of prosecution, though it requires the child be left with someone or authorities be called immediately.