Editorial: Leave religious beliefs out of the classroom

Kim Gillespie

God may be said to be ever present everywhere (thanks for the line, Van Morrison) but does he belong in the classroom?

Some parents don't think so. Auckland's St Heliers School recently decided to remove religious classes from its timetable and offer them outside school hours after several parents complained to the school and Human Rights Commission.

The complainants claimed the classes were discriminatory by excluding children from their friends on the basis of religious belief, making the children feel ostracised and different.

But is it the role of a school to promote Christianity anyway?

Certainly parents who send their children to state-integrated schools such as Catholic schools can and should expect a certain amount of religious education.

But what about regular state schools?

The last Census showed just under half of New Zealanders identify as Christian, although a 2008 study puts church attendance at about 15 per cent.

A poll this month showed 27 per cent of respondents feel New Zealand schools should 22-02-2014 10:10:00teach Christianity from a Christian perspective.

But why should they? That, surely, is the role of parents and the church.

By all means schools should be able to teach children about religions as part of the social studies syllabus - that's different from bringing in church groups to conduct classes.

And while parents may appreciate the Christian values instilled in their children, shouldn't we expect our schools to promote values like honesty, compassion, humility and respect for others anyway?