Submitted by John
From Primary Ethics
SCHOOL ETHICS COURSE ORGANISERS ASK O’FARRELL TO STAND FIRM
Dr Simon Longstaff, Executive Director of the St James Ethics Centre, today called on Premier Barry O’Farrell to keep his promise to NSW voters and retain ethics classes in as a complement to scripture in NSW public schools.
“The Premier promised voters his government would retain the option of ethics classes during scripture time. If Mr O’Farrell caves into Mr Nile’s demands he will invite a backlash from all those who care more for children than politics,” Dr Longstaff said.
“There is a legitimate expectation from parents that Mr O’Farrell will do what is right for the children of NSW, not what is politically convenient for his government. We know that the Premier has to negotiate with Reverend Nile - but there are some things that should never be traded; most particularly the interests of children.
“Backing down to the minority voice of Fred Nile will anger the parents of the 2,700 children now involved in 180 ethics classes at 128 primary schools across the state - and people of good will across the State."
Full media release: http://www.primaryethics.com.au/resources/media300711.pdf (48.2 Kb PDF)
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Excuse me, your ethics are showing !
Submitted by Graham
From The Sydney Morning Herald
O'Farrell bows to Nile over ethics
By Sean Nicholls
July 30, 2011
From The Sydney Morning Herald
O'Farrell bows to Nile over ethics
By Sean Nicholls
July 30, 2011
Success ... Fred Nile has had a "very positive, co-operative and friendly meeting"
with the government. Photo: Jon Reid
THE state government has bowed to pressure from Fred Nile and will consider removing ethics classes from schools only months after they began.
A deal the Christian Democratic Party MP says he has struck with the Premier, Barry O'Farrell, places at risk the Coalition's election promise not to remove the classes, which began in February under the former Labor government as an alternative to religious education lessons.
But it also presents Mr Nile and the government with a potential compromise over the issue, on which neither has been willing to give ground since it re-emerged two weeks ago.
A deal the Christian Democratic Party MP says he has struck with the Premier, Barry O'Farrell, places at risk the Coalition's election promise not to remove the classes, which began in February under the former Labor government as an alternative to religious education lessons.
But it also presents Mr Nile and the government with a potential compromise over the issue, on which neither has been willing to give ground since it re-emerged two weeks ago.
Mr O'Farrell, Mr Nile and the leader of the house in the Legislative Council, Duncan Gay, met on Thursday to discuss the impasse, which has threatened to grow into a full-blown crisis for the government.
Friday, July 29, 2011
Opinion piece
Submitted by Graham
From The Sydney Morning Herald
A confident secularist society would tolerate school religion
By Brendan O'Neill
July 28, 2011
Opinion
Can a half-hour chat about God really warp children's minds? Listening to Australia's increasingly irate secularists, you could be forgiven for thinking so.
They have upped the ante in their war against ''special religious instruction'' in public schools, depicting it as the modern-day equivalent of a Christian crusade arriving on horseback to convert young Aussies to a lifetime of Bible-bashing.
It's worth reminding ourselves that special religious instruction, where church volunteers teach children about religion, doesn't take place in all public primary schools. And in those schools where it does, it only takes up half an hour a week - far less time than the average kid spends pretending to kill people in video games or being preached to by SpongeBob SquarePants.
Even the most fervent nun or red-eyed pastor would struggle to indoctrinate children in such time-restricted weekly hook-ups.
That is the word most commonly used by secularists opposed to special religious instruction: indoctrination. They believe, as a Sunday Age report summed it up, that these lessons are ''designed to convert, not educate''.
The Commonwealth Ombudsman demanded this week that the federal government clarify when a chaplain crosses the line, from teaching kids about Christianity to trying to convert them to it.
Full Article: http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/society-and-culture/a-confident-secularist-society-would-tolerate-school-religion-20110727-1i04k.html
Regrettably, this is yet another piece that blurs the lines between the issues of the NSCP and scripture classes in state schools.
From The Sydney Morning Herald
A confident secularist society would tolerate school religion
By Brendan O'Neill
July 28, 2011
Opinion
"Were we 'indoctrinated', turned into Catholic drones? Were we hell."
Photo: Michele Mossop
Can a half-hour chat about God really warp children's minds? Listening to Australia's increasingly irate secularists, you could be forgiven for thinking so.
They have upped the ante in their war against ''special religious instruction'' in public schools, depicting it as the modern-day equivalent of a Christian crusade arriving on horseback to convert young Aussies to a lifetime of Bible-bashing.
It's worth reminding ourselves that special religious instruction, where church volunteers teach children about religion, doesn't take place in all public primary schools. And in those schools where it does, it only takes up half an hour a week - far less time than the average kid spends pretending to kill people in video games or being preached to by SpongeBob SquarePants.
Even the most fervent nun or red-eyed pastor would struggle to indoctrinate children in such time-restricted weekly hook-ups.
That is the word most commonly used by secularists opposed to special religious instruction: indoctrination. They believe, as a Sunday Age report summed it up, that these lessons are ''designed to convert, not educate''.
The Commonwealth Ombudsman demanded this week that the federal government clarify when a chaplain crosses the line, from teaching kids about Christianity to trying to convert them to it.
Full Article: http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/society-and-culture/a-confident-secularist-society-would-tolerate-school-religion-20110727-1i04k.html
Regrettably, this is yet another piece that blurs the lines between the issues of the NSCP and scripture classes in state schools.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Surprising allies speak up
Submitted by Graham
From The Sydney Morning Herald
Labor states weigh in on chaplaincy stoush
By Dan Harrison
July 26, 2011
THE Labor states of Queensland and South Australia have intervened in a High Court challenge to the national school chaplaincy program, challenging the Commonwealth's argument that its power to make laws for corporations supports the controversial program.
But both states say another part of the constitution, which gives the federal government power to provide ''benefits to students'', allows the Commonwealth to fund school chaplains.
Queensland and South Australia also challenge the argument by Ron Williams, the Queensland father who launched the case, that the chaplaincy program breaches a clause in the constitution that forbids any religious test for an office under the Commonwealth.
NSW, Victoria and Western Australia have intervened in support of Mr Williams, arguing the program exceeds the Commonwealth's powers. The case will be heard in Canberra next month.
Legal observers see the case as a test of the ability of the federal government to use its financial muscle to bypass the states and directly fund programs in areas that have been considered state responsibilities.
Full Story: http://www.smh.com.au/national/labor-states-weigh-in-on-chaplaincy-stoush-20110725-1hx54.html
From The Sydney Morning Herald
Labor states weigh in on chaplaincy stoush
By Dan Harrison
July 26, 2011
THE Labor states of Queensland and South Australia have intervened in a High Court challenge to the national school chaplaincy program, challenging the Commonwealth's argument that its power to make laws for corporations supports the controversial program.
But both states say another part of the constitution, which gives the federal government power to provide ''benefits to students'', allows the Commonwealth to fund school chaplains.
Queensland and South Australia also challenge the argument by Ron Williams, the Queensland father who launched the case, that the chaplaincy program breaches a clause in the constitution that forbids any religious test for an office under the Commonwealth.
NSW, Victoria and Western Australia have intervened in support of Mr Williams, arguing the program exceeds the Commonwealth's powers. The case will be heard in Canberra next month.
Legal observers see the case as a test of the ability of the federal government to use its financial muscle to bypass the states and directly fund programs in areas that have been considered state responsibilities.
Full Story: http://www.smh.com.au/national/labor-states-weigh-in-on-chaplaincy-stoush-20110725-1hx54.html
While the rich get rich...
Submitted by Graham
From The Sydney Morning Herald
Elite schools reap solid profits - with the help of public funding
By Andrew Stevenson
July 26, 2011
MANY of Sydney's most prestigious private schools posted multimillion-dollar profits last year, with their financial positions greatly enhanced by federal and state funding.
Profits ranged from $1.6 million at Kesser Torah (government funding $5.6 million) to $7.3 million at Cranbrook (government funding $5.3 million). None of the schools reporting results posted a loss.
Loreto Kirribilli had the biggest surplus, $12.9 million. The unusual result - last year's surplus was $1.2 million - resulted from the transfer of $11 million from the Loreto building and education trusts to buy a neighbouring property.
Advertisement: Story continues below
Another school in the property market was Ascham, which recently bought a Darling Point mansion for $12.25 million and posted a surplus of $3 million.
Full Story: http://www.smh.com.au/national/education/elite-schools-reap-solid-profits--with-the-help-of-public-funding-20110725-1hx7f.html
From The Sydney Morning Herald
Elite schools reap solid profits - with the help of public funding
By Andrew Stevenson
July 26, 2011
MANY of Sydney's most prestigious private schools posted multimillion-dollar profits last year, with their financial positions greatly enhanced by federal and state funding.
Profits ranged from $1.6 million at Kesser Torah (government funding $5.6 million) to $7.3 million at Cranbrook (government funding $5.3 million). None of the schools reporting results posted a loss.
Loreto Kirribilli had the biggest surplus, $12.9 million. The unusual result - last year's surplus was $1.2 million - resulted from the transfer of $11 million from the Loreto building and education trusts to buy a neighbouring property.
Advertisement: Story continues below
Another school in the property market was Ascham, which recently bought a Darling Point mansion for $12.25 million and posted a surplus of $3 million.
Full Story: http://www.smh.com.au/national/education/elite-schools-reap-solid-profits--with-the-help-of-public-funding-20110725-1hx7f.html
Sunday, July 24, 2011
No competition to my doctrine, please.
Submitted by Graham
From The Sydney Morning Herald
Shooters join Nile bid to cut ethics classes
By Alicia Wood
July 24, 2011
From The Sydney Morning Herald
Shooters join Nile bid to cut ethics classes
By Alicia Wood
July 24, 2011
"The government has to respect that we have influence" ...
Fred Nile of the Christian democrats. Photo: Peter Rae
THE Shooters and Fishers Party will join forces with the Reverend Fred Nile to stop the state government's controversial industrial relations changes, if Mr Nile is not satisfied with negotiations about scrapping ethics classes.
Mr Nile says he will block the government from passing key legislation in the upper house unless they get rid of ethics classes, which are running in 128 public schools and compete with scripture classes.
Robert Borsak, from the Shooters and Fishers Party, said he was in Mr Nile's corner.
Mr Nile says he will block the government from passing key legislation in the upper house unless they get rid of ethics classes, which are running in 128 public schools and compete with scripture classes.
Robert Borsak, from the Shooters and Fishers Party, said he was in Mr Nile's corner.
''If Fred was to cross the floor, we would support him,'' he said.
The government needs the support of Mr Nile's Christian Democrats and the Shooters to pass their industrial relations bill in the upper house.
The Labor opposition will make a last-ditch effort to torpedo the bill and could succeed if the Shooters and Christian Democrats change their allegiances.
The government needs the support of Mr Nile's Christian Democrats and the Shooters to pass their industrial relations bill in the upper house.
The Labor opposition will make a last-ditch effort to torpedo the bill and could succeed if the Shooters and Christian Democrats change their allegiances.
Full Story: http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/shooters-join-nile-bid-to-cut-ethics-classes-20110723-1hu48.html
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Play well with others in the sand box
Submitted by Graham
From The Sydney Morning Herald
O'Farrell, Nile dig in on ethics line in the sand
By Sean Nicholls
July 23, 2011
Opinion
Next week's meeting between Barry O'Farrell and Fred Nile promises to provide a masterclass in difficult political negotiation for anyone lucky enough to have a seat in the room.
On one side of the table, the Premier; on the other the Christian Democrat MP threatening to shoot down O'Farrell's cherished industrial relations reforms if he doesn't get what he wants - removal of ethics classes as competition to scripture lessons in NSW schools.
What has upped the stakes is that both have backed themselves into positions almost impossible to resile from without enormous loss of credibility with their constituents.
Full Article: http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/politics/ofarrell-nile-dig-in-on-ethics-line-in-the-sand-20110722-1hsr6.html
From The Sydney Morning Herald
O'Farrell, Nile dig in on ethics line in the sand
By Sean Nicholls
July 23, 2011
Opinion
He will have his way. Or at least try to ... Fred Nile.
Photo: Jon Reid
Next week's meeting between Barry O'Farrell and Fred Nile promises to provide a masterclass in difficult political negotiation for anyone lucky enough to have a seat in the room.
On one side of the table, the Premier; on the other the Christian Democrat MP threatening to shoot down O'Farrell's cherished industrial relations reforms if he doesn't get what he wants - removal of ethics classes as competition to scripture lessons in NSW schools.
What has upped the stakes is that both have backed themselves into positions almost impossible to resile from without enormous loss of credibility with their constituents.
Full Article: http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/politics/ofarrell-nile-dig-in-on-ethics-line-in-the-sand-20110722-1hsr6.html
Friday, July 22, 2011
Other states come to the party
Submitted by Graham
From The Sydney Morning Herald
Chaplaincy fight tests nationhood powers
By Dan Harrison
July 21, 2011
NSW has joined a Queensland father in challenging the constitutional validity of the controversial national school chaplaincy program, arguing the scheme exceeds the federal government's powers.
Victoria and Western Australia are also intervening in the case, brought by parent Ron Williams, which will be heard in the High Court next month.
In 2009, the High Court went close to striking down the Rudd government's $900 stimulus payment on similar grounds. While a narrow majority ruled the payments were legal, the case established the principle that the Commonwealth can spend money only where it has legislative or executive power. The legitimacy of the payments depended upon an implied ''nationhood'' power that allows the federal government to act outside the areas for which it has been expressly granted power in order to engage in activities that could otherwise not be carried out for the benefit of the nation. This power supported the payments as part of a national response to the global financial crisis.
Full Story: http://www.smh.com.au/national/chaplaincy-fight-tests-nationhood-powers-20110720-1hoyn.html#ixzz1SiEYnCkp
From The Sydney Morning Herald
Chaplaincy fight tests nationhood powers
By Dan Harrison
July 21, 2011
NSW has joined a Queensland father in challenging the constitutional validity of the controversial national school chaplaincy program, arguing the scheme exceeds the federal government's powers.
Victoria and Western Australia are also intervening in the case, brought by parent Ron Williams, which will be heard in the High Court next month.
In 2009, the High Court went close to striking down the Rudd government's $900 stimulus payment on similar grounds. While a narrow majority ruled the payments were legal, the case established the principle that the Commonwealth can spend money only where it has legislative or executive power. The legitimacy of the payments depended upon an implied ''nationhood'' power that allows the federal government to act outside the areas for which it has been expressly granted power in order to engage in activities that could otherwise not be carried out for the benefit of the nation. This power supported the payments as part of a national response to the global financial crisis.
Full Story: http://www.smh.com.au/national/chaplaincy-fight-tests-nationhood-powers-20110720-1hoyn.html#ixzz1SiEYnCkp
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Considered, and rejected, Mr Nile.
Submitted by Graham
From The Sydney Morning herald
Nile isolated as Anglicans back ethics classes
By Leesha Mckenny and Sean Nicholls
July 21, 2011
From The Sydney Morning herald
Nile isolated as Anglicans back ethics classes
By Leesha Mckenny and Sean Nicholls
July 21, 2011
Learning a moral foundation without religion ... students attend an ethics class at
Hilltop Primary School in Merrylands. Photo: Wolter Peeters
THE leading opponent to the introduction of ethics classes in NSW schools, the Anglican Church, has reversed its position and says they should be retained, while the Catholic Church now argues they should not be removed as they have ''little impact'' on the teaching of scripture.
The reversals come amid a stand-off over the classes between the O'Farrell government and the Christian Democratic Party MP, Fred Nile, who has threatened to block key legislation in the upper house if it does not consider removing them from schools.
The comments will be welcomed by the government, which yesterday rejected Mr Nile's proposal that the classes be moved from being in competition with special religious education (SRE), or scripture, lessons.
The reversals come amid a stand-off over the classes between the O'Farrell government and the Christian Democratic Party MP, Fred Nile, who has threatened to block key legislation in the upper house if it does not consider removing them from schools.
The comments will be welcomed by the government, which yesterday rejected Mr Nile's proposal that the classes be moved from being in competition with special religious education (SRE), or scripture, lessons.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Government defends NSCP
Submitted by Max
From The Age
Canberra defends chaplains scheme
By Dan Harrison
July 14, 2011
THE federal government has set out its defence of the controversial national school chaplaincy program, telling the High Court the program is within the Commonwealth's executive power and does not breach a constitutional provision relating to religious freedom.
The constitutional validity of the program, which was set up by the Howard government and extended by Labor, is under challenge by Queensland father Ron Williams, whose case against the program will be heard in the High Court next month.
Full Story: http://www.theage.com.au/national/canberra-defends-chaplains-scheme-20110713-1he14.html
From The Age
Canberra defends chaplains scheme
By Dan Harrison
July 14, 2011
THE federal government has set out its defence of the controversial national school chaplaincy program, telling the High Court the program is within the Commonwealth's executive power and does not breach a constitutional provision relating to religious freedom.
The constitutional validity of the program, which was set up by the Howard government and extended by Labor, is under challenge by Queensland father Ron Williams, whose case against the program will be heard in the High Court next month.
Full Story: http://www.theage.com.au/national/canberra-defends-chaplains-scheme-20110713-1he14.html
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
John Saffran & Father Bob - Jedis & Juggalos
From ABC Arts
Artscape: Jedis & Juggalos: Your Census Guide
In preparation for the upcoming Australian census, John Safran scours the globe and hunts down people who blend spirituality with popular culture. The program airs on Tuesday 19 July, 10.05pm on ABC1.
About The Program
The once-every-five-years Australian census is upon us (August 9). Which means the vexed 'What is your religion?' question will raise its head. This, in turn means thousands of pranksters will write down Jedi, Matrixist or Metal Head.
Over the years John Safran has heard academics claim that far from being a joke, young people were combining spirituality with popular culture. Safran wants to hunt down these spiritual innovators. "I thought I'd potter off around the world and try to find people who sincerely and unsarcastically synchronise spirituality with popular culture. Is it good, is it trivialising, is it even spiritually dangerous?"
Safran meets a number of protagonists who use popular culture to make sense of their world. All of them totally believe in the religious theories they have created or interpreted from the films, books or music they have centred their religion around. Jason Faanes AKA Rev Last Rite is in the US Navy and is a dedicated family man. He is also an ordained minister who leads a congregation who find religious symbolism in US rap band, Insane Clown Posse. Rome-based Leo Zagami is also known as Neo Leo. He is a former DJ and record producer. After a drunken night where he ended up naked in an ice bath he had a vision and the religion of 'Matrixism' was born. Mahmoud Shelton converted to Islam at 18. A life-long fan of Star Wars films, he sees strong correlations between Sufism, the branch of Islam he adheres to, and George Lucas's creative works.
Source: http://www.abc.net.au/tv/guide/abc1/201107/programs/DO1018V001D2011-07-19T220500.htm
Artscape: Jedis & Juggalos: Your Census Guide
In preparation for the upcoming Australian census, John Safran scours the globe and hunts down people who blend spirituality with popular culture. The program airs on Tuesday 19 July, 10.05pm on ABC1.
About The Program
The once-every-five-years Australian census is upon us (August 9). Which means the vexed 'What is your religion?' question will raise its head. This, in turn means thousands of pranksters will write down Jedi, Matrixist or Metal Head.
Over the years John Safran has heard academics claim that far from being a joke, young people were combining spirituality with popular culture. Safran wants to hunt down these spiritual innovators. "I thought I'd potter off around the world and try to find people who sincerely and unsarcastically synchronise spirituality with popular culture. Is it good, is it trivialising, is it even spiritually dangerous?"
Safran meets a number of protagonists who use popular culture to make sense of their world. All of them totally believe in the religious theories they have created or interpreted from the films, books or music they have centred their religion around. Jason Faanes AKA Rev Last Rite is in the US Navy and is a dedicated family man. He is also an ordained minister who leads a congregation who find religious symbolism in US rap band, Insane Clown Posse. Rome-based Leo Zagami is also known as Neo Leo. He is a former DJ and record producer. After a drunken night where he ended up naked in an ice bath he had a vision and the religion of 'Matrixism' was born. Mahmoud Shelton converted to Islam at 18. A life-long fan of Star Wars films, he sees strong correlations between Sufism, the branch of Islam he adheres to, and George Lucas's creative works.
Source: http://www.abc.net.au/tv/guide/abc1/201107/programs/DO1018V001D2011-07-19T220500.htm
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
The value of free speech
Submitted by Ralph
From The Independent (UK)
Independent Voices 5x15: Johann Hari on free speech and religious fundamentalism
Jul 7, 2011
From the inaugural Independent Voices 5x15 event from The Independent, Johann Hari talks about the importance of free speech as a tool to challenge religious hegemony.
Johann Hari is an award-winning journalist. He is a columnist for the Independent and has reported from all around the world; Iraq, the Middle East, Venezuela and the Democratic Republic of Congo. He has interviewed many of the world’s important leaders and prominent thinkers and makes regular appearances as a commentator on CNN, NBC and the BBC. He graduated from King’s College, Cambridge with a double First in Social and Political Sciences in 2001, beginning his career as a staff reporter for the New Statesman in the same year, and released his first book God Save the Queen? in 2003. He is a Senior Contributing Editor for Attitude, Britain’s bestselling gay magazine, and has won numerous awards for journalism, most notably becoming the youngest winner of the George Orwell Prize in 2008.
Source: http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/independent-voices-5x15-hacked-off-with-free-speech-2308436.html
From The Independent (UK)
Independent Voices 5x15: Johann Hari on free speech and religious fundamentalism
Jul 7, 2011
From the inaugural Independent Voices 5x15 event from The Independent, Johann Hari talks about the importance of free speech as a tool to challenge religious hegemony.
Johann Hari is an award-winning journalist. He is a columnist for the Independent and has reported from all around the world; Iraq, the Middle East, Venezuela and the Democratic Republic of Congo. He has interviewed many of the world’s important leaders and prominent thinkers and makes regular appearances as a commentator on CNN, NBC and the BBC. He graduated from King’s College, Cambridge with a double First in Social and Political Sciences in 2001, beginning his career as a staff reporter for the New Statesman in the same year, and released his first book God Save the Queen? in 2003. He is a Senior Contributing Editor for Attitude, Britain’s bestselling gay magazine, and has won numerous awards for journalism, most notably becoming the youngest winner of the George Orwell Prize in 2008.
Source: http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/independent-voices-5x15-hacked-off-with-free-speech-2308436.html
Monday, July 11, 2011
The challenge with chaplains
Submitted by Graham
From The Sydney Morning Herald
God's dollar better spent on welfare
By Adele Horin
July 9, 2011
Opinion
From The Sydney Morning Herald
God's dollar better spent on welfare
By Adele Horin
July 9, 2011
Opinion
Illustration: Simon Bosch
It's not just a bunch of atheists and self-interested psychologists who are worried about the school chaplaincy program. The head of the Anglican Education Commission in Sydney, Bryan Cowling, has also cast doubt on the role of school chaplains in government schools, in part because they don't "need to have any particular credentials".
His comments last week add to the concerns about an ill-thought out program that was implemented after a rush of blood to John Howard's head.
No one asked principals or teachers what they needed to deal with increasing problems of depression, anxiety, disruptive behaviour, bullying and self-harm among students. No one evaluated what worked and didn't work in schools, or where the gaps were in providing for student welfare. Principals got steamrolled. It was a chaplain or nothing
His comments last week add to the concerns about an ill-thought out program that was implemented after a rush of blood to John Howard's head.
No one asked principals or teachers what they needed to deal with increasing problems of depression, anxiety, disruptive behaviour, bullying and self-harm among students. No one evaluated what worked and didn't work in schools, or where the gaps were in providing for student welfare. Principals got steamrolled. It was a chaplain or nothing
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Fruitful ? Or just talking past each other ?
Submitted by Graham - Please note that this article is from 2008
When two worlds collide: threat of class warfare over faith-based schooling
By John Kaye and Stephen O'Doherty
June 2, 2008
The debate about 'values based' education is hotting up. John Kaye and Stephen O'Doherty outline the opposing positions on the role of religion in schools.
JOHN KAYE Greens NSW MP and education spokesman: Alarm bells start sounding when young people leave school confused about the boundaries between faith and evidence. They get even louder when the penny drops on the massive state and federal funding that supports the growth of schools that systematically mislead their students. And they reach a crescendo when governments are caught accepting the distortion of education in faith-based private schools.
The growing phenomenon of faith-based institutions needs to be carefully separated from common or garden variety religious private schools. No clear academic definition exists in the literature but in the Australian context it is the schools where reasoning based on testing hypothesis against evidence is subjugated to religious faith. It is the same schools where free inquiry is constrained and critical thinking is confined within the boundaries of religious dogma.
Full Story: http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/when-two-worlds-collide-threat-of-class-warfare-over-faithbasedschooling/2008/06/01/1212258647635.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap1
When two worlds collide: threat of class warfare over faith-based schooling
By John Kaye and Stephen O'Doherty
June 2, 2008
The debate about 'values based' education is hotting up. John Kaye and Stephen O'Doherty outline the opposing positions on the role of religion in schools.
JOHN KAYE Greens NSW MP and education spokesman: Alarm bells start sounding when young people leave school confused about the boundaries between faith and evidence. They get even louder when the penny drops on the massive state and federal funding that supports the growth of schools that systematically mislead their students. And they reach a crescendo when governments are caught accepting the distortion of education in faith-based private schools.
The growing phenomenon of faith-based institutions needs to be carefully separated from common or garden variety religious private schools. No clear academic definition exists in the literature but in the Australian context it is the schools where reasoning based on testing hypothesis against evidence is subjugated to religious faith. It is the same schools where free inquiry is constrained and critical thinking is confined within the boundaries of religious dogma.
Full Story: http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/when-two-worlds-collide-threat-of-class-warfare-over-faithbasedschooling/2008/06/01/1212258647635.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap1
Monday, July 4, 2011
A refreshingly reasoned view
Submitted by Graham
From The Sydney Morning Herald
Anglican Church queries school chaplain program
By Leesha Mckenny and Dan Harrison
July 2, 2011
THE legitimate place of religion in NSW government schools might be put at risk by the misuse of the National School Chaplaincy Program, the head of Sydney's Anglican Education Commission has warned.
Bryan Cowling, the executive director of the peak body for the Anglican Diocese of Sydney, said well-established special religious education preserved the secularism of NSW schools while providing weekly faith instruction for those who wanted it.
But he told the Herald that chaplains - with the term's religious connotations - might blur the distinction between faith and welfare, increasing the chance of misuse by proselytising, which might call into question access granted to schools for special religious education, also known as scripture.
Full story: http://www.smh.com.au/national/anglican-church-queries-school-chaplain-program-20110701-1gv6l.html
From The Sydney Morning Herald
Anglican Church queries school chaplain program
By Leesha Mckenny and Dan Harrison
July 2, 2011
"The best response would be to put more money into more counsellors."
Bryan Cowling, Anglican Diocese of Sydney Photo: Michele Mossop
THE legitimate place of religion in NSW government schools might be put at risk by the misuse of the National School Chaplaincy Program, the head of Sydney's Anglican Education Commission has warned.
Bryan Cowling, the executive director of the peak body for the Anglican Diocese of Sydney, said well-established special religious education preserved the secularism of NSW schools while providing weekly faith instruction for those who wanted it.
But he told the Herald that chaplains - with the term's religious connotations - might blur the distinction between faith and welfare, increasing the chance of misuse by proselytising, which might call into question access granted to schools for special religious education, also known as scripture.
Full story: http://www.smh.com.au/national/anglican-church-queries-school-chaplain-program-20110701-1gv6l.html
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Ron Williams grabs the mic
Submitted by Graham and John.
Not religious? Please mark 'No religion' on Census night
Jul 1, 2011
Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7K4KCoQLqho&NR=1
The next Australian Census will be taken on 9 August, 2011.
Not religious? Please mark 'No religion' on Census night
Jul 1, 2011
Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7K4KCoQLqho&NR=1
The next Australian Census will be taken on 9 August, 2011.
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