Religious conversion in schools

Treevo

Here's the situation - primary school (non-religious) invited a religious organisation to 'give a talk' (how it was explained to parents) but this was actually a half-day 'activity' involving a 'board game' where the children were repeatedly told that the only way to win was to 'accept Jesus' to 'help the community'.

This has to be illegal. Is it?

Counting_Pennies_2

The schools are required to inform pupils of as many religions as possible.

The schools often visit different religious buildings, or have people come into the school to help explain the religion and certain festivals, or key points that mark their belief.

You might want to take up with the school about whether it was appropriate with the games wording

pmlindyloo

Treevo wrote: »

Here's the situation - primary school (non-religious) invited a religious organisation to 'give a talk' (how it was explained to parents) but this was actually a half-day 'activity' involving a 'board game' where the children were repeatedly told that the only way to win was to 'accept Jesus' to 'help the community'.

This has to be illegal. Is it?

Not being awkward but how do you know this was the wording used? Were you or other adults present?

Treevo

pmlindyloo wrote: »

Not being awkward but how do you know this was the wording used? Were you or other adults present?

The man who did it wrote about it on Twitter and my nephew brought home his worksheet which gives the instructions has it on it.

Treevo

Counting_Pennies wrote: »

The schools are required to inform pupils of as many religions as possible.

The schools often visit different religious buildings, or have people come into the school to help explain the religion and certain festivals, or key points that mark their belief.

You might want to take up with the school about whether it was appropriate with the games wording

I know the religious education curriculum (51% has to be about Christianity for example) but this wasn't a religion. It was a religious organisation coming into a school telling young children that to help the community they have to accept Jesus.

maman

I suppose it's not that far removed from the local vicar or other denomination minister coming in and taking assembly which is commonplace in schools. I suppose what feels uncomfortable is the 'hard sell'. I have experienced this with ministers from local evangelical/'happy clappy' type churches. That just seems to be the way they 'sell' their particular brand of religion, very American and can feel uncomfortable to reserved Brits.

Your nephew would be quite in order to express his views on the 'hard sell' aspect. As for religion in schools that's the law, although I believe he could ask for his son to be excluded from all forms of worship in the future if he feels that strongly.

PasturesNew

If you think half an hour, in one day, can change a kid's outlook/perceptions so they "convert" .... over years of your own parenting.....

Treevo

PasturesNew wrote: »

If you think half an hour, in one day, can change a kid's outlook/perceptions so they "convert" .... over years of your own parenting.....

Your days only last an hour? Where do you live, Venus?

SingleSue

I think I would have been annoyed too and that is as a Christian. I have always tried to allow my children to have free choice when it comes to things like that and to have someone saying the only way to help a community would be as someone accepting of Jesus is too eek for me.

If it had been at my eldest son's school, he would have had a field day and he is a philosophy student. He is an Atheist but after having a Christian upbringing and having Christian morals, can argue all sides very well. He also helps the community without being accepting of Jesus, both as a youth leader/worker (voluntary basis) and a Beaver leader..although the scouting group were at first a little sceptical he could be an effective leader as a non Christian but were willing to give it a go on a trial basis due to his upbringing.

His philosophy teacher has joked that James can argue for Christianity better than some devout believers and that even when arguing the opposing side, it is always with the morals of a Christian. He was even asked to go back to the class to help with the discussions when he had finished his A level as he had the ability to change 'sides' with no problem at all...his teacher also wants him to teach the class one particluar aspect next year as James knows more about it and understands it better than the teacher!

poet123

Treevo wrote: »

Here's the situation - primary school (non-religious) invited a religious organisation to 'give a talk' (how it was explained to parents) but this was actually a half-day 'activity' involving a 'board game' where the children were repeatedly told that the only way to win was to 'accept Jesus' to 'help the community'.

This has to be illegal. Is it?

It might not be acceptable (to many parents) but it is certainly not illegal. The school can invite anyone in whom they deem suitable. If you have an issue with it I suggest you contact the head to discuss it and make your views known.

FBaby

My children are raised with no religious faith. I am all for them learning about different religions and most importantly to respect different faith, but this kind of activity would have annoyed me.

Saying that, I would probably have just written a brief note to the headteacher saying I didn't think it was appropriate and just talked to my kids saying it was just a game and of course you don't have to have to believe in Jesus or whoever else to be a good community citizen.