A copy of an email to my local MP re the ban on student-led prayer groups and bible studies in schools. Give it a read and send one yourself (link below). Dear Ms Kairouz, I am appealing to you to add your voice to mine in calling on the Victorian Government to reverse the ban on student-led prayer groups and bible studies in schools. As you are aware, this radical change of policy came into effect on the 14th of July after the Minister for Education signed the Ministerial Directive *MD141-Special Religious Instruction in Public Schools* in May this year. As a young man who was often confused by matters of faith, I benefitted greatly from such groups during my adolescence. Furthermore, after graduating I spent many years as a leader of lunchtime groups in State Schools, building strong relationships with students, many of whom keep in contact almost 15 years on. I have seen first-hand that these voluntary groups provide vital support, encouragement and friendship for students who want to explore issues of faith. Thus, I am aggrieved by a change in policy that renders similarly beneficial experiences to todays students not only impossible, but illegal! Indeed, I find it almost incomprehensible that in a country that enjoys such prodigious liberties, not only are students prevented from discussing Christianity, they’re also not allowed to advertise church events or give their friends a Christian music DVD or bible. As one who has studied the 20th century Iron Curtain policies of the Soviet Union in the Eastern Bloc, I find it hard not to draw comparisons! Ms Kairouz, you are aware that freedom of religion is a human right and students should be free to organise their own lunchtime prayer meetings without government interference. Please overturn the ban on student-led prayer groups and bible studies, as well as the ban on the distribution of religious music and books between students. Thanking you in anticipation, Rev. Jonathan Smith Caroline Springs Anglican
Posted on: Tue, 29 Jul 2014 01:51:19 +0000
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