from ABC Radio National
Church and state
By Hagar Cohen
10 April 2011
Concerns were raised when federal funding for chaplains in schools was introduced. Now some parents have evidence evangelism has seeped into the secular public school system. Others are staunch supporters. The controversy is now headed for the High Court. Photograph by Andrew Turner.
This program contains reports on various instances of complaints against the NSCP, and I highly recommend listening to the entire program (49 minutes).
Site and comments: http://www.abc.net.au/rn/backgroundbriefing/stories/2011/3183516.htm
Download Audio (22.5Mb.. Right click, Save As): http://mpegmedia.abc.net.au/rn/podcast/2011/04/bbg_20110410.mp3
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Submitted by Gary - lead-up story
from ABC News
Chaplains accused of pushing religion in schools
By Hagar Cohen for Background Briefing
Updated Fri Apr 8, 2011 10:54am AEST
Some parents say they have evidence the federally-funded National School Chaplaincy program is being used to push religion to public school students.
The controversy is now headed for the High Court, and there is also a Federal Government review and an ombudsman's investigation.
In 2007 the Howard government introduced federal funding for chaplains to work in schools, with the proviso they were not to evangelise or proselytise.
But the New South Wales Parents and Citizens Association says there is evidence chaplains are proselytising in public schools and students are being encouraged to join religious activities and prayer meetings.
Council of State School Organisations NSW president Helen Walton says her association is receiving more and more information about proselytising incidences.
Full story: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/04/08/3185850.htm
