Religious instruction in state schools ‘soliciting’ children to Christian faith
Amy Remeikis reports in the Brisbane Times (6.6.16) on an education department review ordered into religious instruction curriculum materials being used in Queensland state schools.
‘Education Queensland will review religious instruction materials being used in state schools, after one school found a popular program which taught children “every single person has sinned and rejected God and deserves to be punished” may be “soliciting” students to the Christian faith, in contradiction of departmental policy.
‘Windsor State School principal Matthew Keong wrote to parents to announce he had suspended religious instruction at his school, after reviewing the syllabus, Connect, which had been taught by faith groups at Windsor and finding the lesson’s materials attempted to entreat children to the Christian faith.
‘”Religious Instruction policy defines proselytising as ‘soliciting a student for a decision to change their religion’s affiliation’. Solicit by its ordinary meaning is to ask for, to try to obtain, to persuade, to seek, to influence and express the need or desire,” Mr Keong wrote in his letter to parents.’