Religion in education briefing report back

Christian religious observances in schools will not be banned, provided they
do not infringe on the rights of other learners who do not practice the
Christian faith, says the Department of Education.

At the department's briefing on the Religion in Education policy at
Parliament on Tuesday, the director-general of education explained that the
policy was intended as a framework within which school governing bodies
could implement religious practice policies.

According to the department, the aim was to reinforce equality that
religious observances should not exclude those who hold different beliefs.
Schools could choose to divide learners into their various religious groups
for assemblies or introduce other creative ways to allow learners to
practice their own faith.

Schools with a particular religious ethos, such as Christian schools, can
hold Christian ceremonies, provided they make arrangements for learners at
the school that are not Christians.

The policy divides religion in schools into three basic categories:

1) Religious education: no one particular faith will be promoted to learners
who will be allowed to hold religious activities, provided they are outside
of school hours (e.g., Catechism classes for Catholics)
2) Religion Education: is a subject, part of the curriculum that must be
taught by teachers trained to be able to teach about religion in a balanced
way without promoting his or her personal beliefs. Professional clergy will
be permitted to teach such lessons, provided different religions are
represented equally.
3) Religious observances: are voluntary and cannot be imposed on others of a
different faith

ACDP spokesperson on education Cheryllyn Dudley said that it was clear that
the department had softened on certain aspects of the policy due to public
pressure.

"Well done to those who made their voices heard on this issue," Dudley said,
"your efforts have helped the department realise it cannot simply ride
roughshod over people's beliefs.

"While the ACDP respects the rights of people to choose their beliefs and
promotes freedom of religion, the government seems set on crushing Christian
influence in schools. It is important that Christians continue to stand up
for their rights," Dudley said.

The complete policy will be released for public comment on Friday 20 June
2003. Parents, school governing bodies and other interested parties are
invited to submit their comments on the policy. Details of where the policy
can be viewed will be released on Friday.


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