Religion in Education Policy

INTRODUCTION

The Department of Education's Religion in Education policy should be of concern for every family in South Africa. The policy has serious implications for every parent with school-going children and for South Africa as a whole. On date, the Education Department Religion in Education policy.

WHAT THE ACDP HAD TO SAY:

The Religion in Education policy undermines the role of parents and reduces religious beliefs to nothing more than a state-prescribed school subject with little relevance, while humanism, a recognised religion, is unashamedly promoted throughout the entire curriculum.

A multi-faith religious instruction programme compiled by the state is now compulsory and examinable in both public and private institutions, regardless of the community, teachers, parents and children. This is an outright attack on diversity and people's right to their beliefs.

After coming under heavy pressure, the department has made several changes to the original draft and "single religion" observances will be permitted only if they take place outside of the context of a school assembly. If a school decides to incorporate religious observances into assemblies, it must take into account the religious groupings in the school. Schools could choose to hold separate assemblies for each group or if this is not possible, multi-faith or no observances are the options.

The department claims that school governing bodies still decide how to implement policy, but only within the framework set by the ministry. The SA Schools Act states the functions of governing bodies, but effectively gives them no power. The authority given by the constitution for rules regarding religious observances to be made by "the appropriate public authorities" (s15.2.a), is presently interpreted by academics and the government to mean "the department" and not the governing body, as so often assumed by many. As the 'public authority', the department sets the rules for religion observances and schools - governing bodies and parents are expected to comply.

The department justifies its multi-faith Religion in Education policy by quoting the constitutional right of equality, which allows "fair discrimination" in favour of people who are seen to have been previously disadvantaged. The government sees Christians as the previously advantaged group against which "fair discrimination" is now a necessity. Government has been en route to this juncture since the signing of the Constitution and policy and legislation since then have been preparing the way. Christians who oppose government's agenda are seen as bigots and labelled intolerant, while Minister Asmal proudly makes good on his promise to ensure that no learner is ever again "indoctrinated" with Christianity.

WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?

Sadly this comes as no surprise to the ACDP, which pointed out some of these issues at the time the constitution was drafted. We were the only party to vote against the Constitution on these and other moral grounds.

The ACDP is committed to a policy that empowers parents and schools governing bodies to decide on the religious ethos of a school. If a multi-faith ethos is the decision of the community then so be it, but if not, it should not be imposed. Parents, without a doubt, should choose the education they want for their children without state interference.

As bleak as this picture may seem, it is still possible for Christians, who are in the majority in South Africa to stop the assault on our freedoms. There is no better time for Christians to unite and turn the tide by electing a government of God-fearing men and women committed to biblical principles.

The question is not whether religion should influence politics, but whose religion and morality is shaping our politics and nation.

POINTS OF THE POLICY:

• Schools must have a policy that reflects the multi-religious nature of the country, not just the school, taking into consideration that the religious composition of a school can change from
• Religious observances at school must accommodate multiple religions. For example at school assemblies, 'neutral' prayers or rotating readings and observances from various religions is advised. Outside of school assembly, single-faith observances are theoretically allowed provided they allow voluntary attendance.
• Religion Education will be a compulsory, examinable subject as part of the curriculum for all schools, including private schools and public schools on private property.
• External invited religious workers are not allowed to regularly present religious instruction, unless they are also qualified teachers. Others may come as occasional guests
• Public schools, except those on private land, are not allowed to have a religious ethos
• Teachers must be trained in agnostic comparative religion A teacher's freedom to promote his or her faith is restrict

(From Christian Democrat magazine Issue 1 2003)