[Greens-Media] Sydney Anglican Church opposes choice for non-believers

[John Kaye]

Sydney Anglican Church opposes choice for non-believers

Media release: 8 May 2010

The Sydney Anglican Archdiocese's figures suggest that offering an ethics alternative for children during special religious education in public schools is a long overdue move, according to Greens NSW MP John Kaye. ('Scripture classes lose half of students to ethics, say Anglicans', SMH 8 May 2010, http://bit.ly/smh100508)

Dr Kaye said: "If it is true that Protestant scripture has lost 47 percent of its students to the ethics course, then it is clear that parents are looking to escape from the churches.

"After 130 years of monopoly control over one hour a week in public schools, organised religions must face the reality that many parents want an alternative.

"Instead of trying to restrict options in order to corral students into their classes, the  churches should be asked to justify their presence in secular public schools.

"Many organised religions and their troops have reacted hysterically to the trial of the ethics alternative.

"Conservative Anglican leaders should mind their own business.

"Without the ethics options, parents have to chose between a wasted hour or handing their children over to one of the religions on offer. 

"Parents who have no religion or believe that spiritual instruction is best done outside of school are pleased to have a meaningful alternative for their children.

"NSW Education Minister Verity Firth and Shadow Minister Adrian Piccoli should ignore the Sydney Anglican Archdiocese's attack on the rights of atheist and other non-believers.

"Failure of the pilot would raise awkward questions for the churches about their role in public schools," Dr Kaye said. 

For more information:	John Kaye 0407 195 455