It’s been said that if you really want to turn someone away from religion, get them to study the Bible. Billy’s experience of religious instruction put him off religion and ultimately turned him to atheism and an appreciation for human values that don’t require religion.
It’s a shame that we even have to think about keeping our local primary school honest but unfortunately, without someone keeping watch, it is amazing how much religious influence can creep in if no one steps up and asks some hard questions.
Wellsford School parents have been fighting a religious instruction class that a predominantly Christian school administration and board of trustees are trying to promote. Despite a large percentage of parents against the classes, they are forging ahead with the CEC syllabus and actively asking parents to support the lessons.
Many schools throughout New Zealand use the NZ Principals’ Federation enrolment form that includes a yes/no question about religious instruction. I contacted them to see if I could improve the way that the question was presented.
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”.
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.
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 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.
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…
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.
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