A divided society-what can be done?

I beg to differ with those who think church schools do not push belief in God . The do and they must or they will be judged poorly by the Statutory Inspection of Anglican, Methodist and Ecumenical teams. (Known as section 48 inspections) RC schools have Canon 806 (1). My grandson is at a c/e school as he is out of the catchment for the community school. He hears about God on a daily basis! Everyone has the right to practice a chosen faith or none. This should not be a school responsibilty and is really a divisive system. All schools should be free of religious influence and just teach about the key faith & non-faith groups. There are excellent and awful faith and community schools. Faith does not make a school better or worse!

Oh, sorry, trisher. It wasn't differentiated in any way (for which I blame Gnet's revamp; what's happened to the italics option ? ).

OK GillT57, what did *you mean by that?

So faith schools are the cause of the far right movement and my belief that children learn racism in the home is wrong?

I tried MaizieD it's bloody annoying!

Annie there are very many Christians who are part of the Accord Coalition. The belief in integrated secular education is not just the "belief of one Jew" as you put it.

accordcoalition.org.uk/our-members/

I agree that there are Christains who seem to feel so insecure about their beliefs that they do not want to allow their children to learn about alternative beliefs.

In America, and possibly even in the UK, there are creationist schools where children are taught the God created the world in six days about six thousand years ago as if it was a fact. Surely you cannot support that?

what's happened to the italics option ?

Disappeared

Varian, you quoted one Jew, I replied as one Christian

If you have a strong faith, you will never fear that your children might learn about other ways of looking at life and belief. Tell them what you believe, but encourage them to be open to alternative views.

You never know, they may even decide to follow your faith without being shielded from the rest of the world.
J
Help your children to be free to chose their own beliefs. By going to school alongside everyone else, not being segregated into narrow like minded groups, they will flourish.

Sorry I obviously made my comments a bit clumsily. What I tried to say was that in an area with a previous history of for example there always being a job available in Ford's and a tradition of just leaving school at 16 and getting a job there, it may take more than one generation for the necessary educational expectations to change when that car plant closes. As to religion in school, you are right grumpa our village primary is CofE voluntary and open to all children in the village irrespective of religion

Varian, you believe faith schools are responsible for the EDL and all far right groups ?

I don't think anyone suggested that faith schools were responsible for the worrying surge in EDL Anniebach. We were discussing possible reasons for lack of understanding of how 'other' people live, and suggesting ways of preventing it

Exactly, Gill

Many years ago (obviously) I was a parent governor of the C of E primary school that my children (and before them my wife and brother-in-law) attended. The rector was Chairman, and meetings were held n the rectory, but all discussion was religion-free and focussed on the running of the school. As an atheist, I felt entirely comfortable.

Pity other atheists didn't have your experience , they could then voice opinions and know what they are tslking about.

My children and grandchildren learned respect for all faiths and those of no faith , no chance of them joining the far right movements . Such a pity so many atheists are not capable of extending the same respect

Grumppa sorry but one e.g. does not an argument make. I have worked in and with a great number of schools, good and bad, faith and non faith. I could counter you experience with other examples!
Annie no, faith schools have not created right wing fascism..nobody said that for goodness sake! What they do is to perpetuate the focus on difference rather on commonality. Those with a healthy strong faith will support their children to grow in that faith through home life and attendance at places of worship. Schools do not need to do that job.

No Gill, Varaian took it way past the discussion you were taking part in.

Same here grumpa. I was governor at my children's primary school too. Church had some input obviously buy nothing overt. School was heavily over subscribed due to the happy and caring way it was run..

Pensteemon, you too are one voice , just as Grumppa is and just as I am.

One of our local C/E schools is very undersubscribed and has just received a damning inspection report. Despite being a church school most local Christian families reject it because it is in the heart of a social housing estate.

Annie what are you on about?? I merely suggest that one personal example is not strong enough "evidence" to prove anything! My single experience would be no more or less valid than anyone elses.

And that is what I was saying .penstemmom

Annie please do not assume that those of us who want to promote inclusive, secular education are all aetheists or have no first hand knowledge of the governance of schools.

I was for many years a governor of a community comprehensive school. The headmaster was an ordained deacon of the RC church, at the time the most senior layman to take part in the mass when the Pope visited Coventry. He taught my children RE and I was happy for him to do so, although I had been brought up as a Presbyterian in a segregated school system, as the governors had approved the syllabus which rznged across religous beliefs. Pupils were not indoctrinated or subjected to religous instruction. The emphasis was on knowledge, understanding and tolerance.

The two most important things are for there to be no segregation or indoctrination.

Penstemmon, obviously one personal example proves nothing, but it is still evidence. If Gransnetters cannot quote their personal experiences then we might as well all pack up and go home.

Will you go first, or shall I?

I'll go. Too many unable to debate properly. I have tried to stick to arguing opinions only but annie, and others too, always make it petty and personal.