CEC Director wants Local Churches to “own your local primary school”
In a Radio Rhema interview, Stephanie Sewell, who is the National Director for the Churches Education Commission claims that local churches should “own local schools”.
Articles
Nikki Kaye wants to “modernise” the Education Portfolio
Nikki Kaye wants to modernise the education portfolio. She has an uphill battle as long as a schools’ board of trustees still have the power to indoctrinate children in religious faith.
NZSTA refuses to answer questions on Religious Instruction
The NZSTA provide support and advice to the boards of trustees around the country that run our state primary schools. But did you know that they support religious instruction and have recommended Parliament continue to include it in the review of the Education Act? I asked them why but they refuse to tell me.
Parents complaints addressed at South Auckland school
Parents who object to religious instruction need support from other parents to effect change. Without strength in numbers, pro-religious instruction staff and parents tend to think that they can do whatever they like and dismiss anyone against RI, no matter how clear-cut the argument is that children and families are being discriminated against.
Full Independent Report Regarding RI Classes at Fenwick School
Cleave Hay’s full report on the issues surrounding religious instruction at Fenwick School has been released. There are some interesting comments that expand on the recommendations. However, I don’t think it goes far enough and doesn’t really address the real conflict of interest. Read more…
BOT Chairman retains position despite conflict of interest
The review of Pastor Damien Goodsir’s role at Fenwick School has turned into a bit of a farce. He has stepped down from the unimportant roles of RI Teacher and Chaplain and claimed that this resolves any conflict of interest. Apparently there is no issue with him wanting to “infiltrate” the school to spread his religious faith and continuing as the Chairman of the School Board of Trustees.
Southland Times “Advertorial” for Bible in Schools
One of the greatest challenges to raising awareness about religious instruction is the way that the media allow “fluffy” reporting on the topic. In this blog, I review a couple of recent articles that fall far short of professional journalism. One completely misses the issue of religious instruction when talking about the importance of religious education and the other is effectively an advertorial for Bible in Schools written by a report with a personal bias.
Pastor “Infiltrates” School with Religious Instruction
Oamaru Pastor, Damien Goodsir is the Chairman of Fenwick School’s Board of Trustees. He’s also the school Chaplain. A recent sermon of his talks about “infiltrating” the school and other local groups. The locals aren’t happy about it and they are doing something about it.
Religious Instruction: You Kids Are Going To Hell!
The kind of moral “cherry picking” that religious instruction advocates ignore is exposed most painfully by the subversive introduction of “hell”. Of course, they are not meant to teach it themselves but zealous Christian teachers seem to ignore this sometimes and playground evangelism is also an inevitable issue resulting from the introduction of religion to the school.
Point View School Removes Religious Instruction Classes
When his Daughter came home and told him that her Bible teacher had told her that she was “going to hell” because she didn’t believe in God, Paul Bennett took action. After several years of campaigning, the Point View School Board of Trustees has agreed to remove bible classes from the school. But is the fight really over or do we need changes to legislation that allows boards to bring favoured religious beliefs into our schools?