School Chaplaincy

[DavidB]

I am afraid that I am depressed again at today's announcement that the FedGov will again fund the school chaplaincy programme until 2011 to the tune of $42.8 million of public funds. I have written to the editors of a couple of major papers here in Tasmania but even if my letters are printed, what good will it do when we have a PM that actually believes in creationism over evolution?

[Sal]

Yes, I think that we have to demand (by direct action, if necessary) a stop to this disgrace in our public schools.

It doesn't affect my children, but I would hate to see the most vulnerable of Australia's youth being indoctrinated by xtian ideology.

If people truly think that their children need some form of counselor, perhaps they could take them to the appropriate person - out of school.

If said parents are members of a faith, I'm sure their religious leader would be more than willing to provide spiritual guidance. Let the rest of us take our kids to a qualified social worker!

[Sir Patrick Crocodile]

Originally Posted by DavidB

I am afraid that I am depressed again at today's announcement that the FedGov will again fund the school chaplaincy programme until 2011 to the tune of $42.8 million of public funds. I have written to the editors of a couple of major papers here in Tasmania but even if my letters are printed, what good will it do when we have a PM that actually believes in creationism over evolution?

Unfortunately there is no PM available who is not a religious nutcase. I am also pissed off at this. That is what my tax is going into. I don't want to support the religious nutcases. But the stupid government is making me. I know how that feels.

[sjbeach]

My son's state secondary college has one of those chaplains. He showed up at the funeral of a parent of a current student recently. Nice guy, but I would have serious reservations about him consoling students regarding death. The generic school counsellor was an option you had to request. I have asked why she was not present, but am awaiting a reply.

[Sascha]

Ridiculous. I didn't know chaplaincy was so institutionalised. First I ever heard of one was at a high school in rural WA so naturally I just assumed it was an occasional thing.

$42.8 million isn't exactly occasional.

[robertkd]

Originally Posted by Sascha

Ridiculous. I didn't know chaplaincy was so institutionalised. First I ever heard of one was at a high school in rural WA so naturally I just assumed it was an occasional thing.

$42.8 million isn't exactly occasional.

Well that kinda depends if your mr KRud and of course if it's not actually your money, seems these sort of funding activities are better funded with our money,... apparently!

BTW I think the previous school chaplaincy project funding was something like $160M these god bother-ers aren't exactly cheap, I wonder if the project extends to is-lambs and jewish faiths??

http://www.atheistfoundation.org.au/...86&postcount=1

[Lapin]

http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/s...003402,00.html

The program also received a glowing report from the National School Chaplaincy Association (NSCA) survey, which examined the effectiveness of the program in government schools.

Well that's a surprise, the school chaplains think there own program is good. It's no surprise these guys are popular with the students when they have none of the accountability burdens of teachers and can just let students play video games and have a good time.

It's also no surprise that school principals are supportive of a system that gives them an extra person on their staff that they don't have to pay for out of their overstretched school budget. They'd be grateful for any kind of help.

[Sal]

Perhaps people (ie. parents - even on a small scale) should take their children out of the school system in protest.

I guarantee that you will find a pleasant improvement in eduction when all the 'fluff' is taken out of the equation.

[teckel]

I'm from a Black Saturday affected community, and the number of chaplains floating around here is obscene - trying to capitalise on the distress and grief being suffered by so many. I don't know how they're being funded. There are also a lot of trained psychologists and secular counsellors, so there is absolutely no need for these preying opportunists.

[DanDare]

Originally Posted by teckel

I'm from a Black Saturday affected community, and the number of chaplains floating around here is obscene - trying to capitalise on the distress and grief being suffered by so many. I don't know how they're being funded. There are also a lot of trained psychologists and secular counsellors, so there is absolutely no need for these preying opportunists.

Its easy to get cynical, I know, but many of the chaplains do believe what they are doing is good, and really are giving of themselves. That still doesn't mean we have to agree with them of course. Their organisations are manipulative and there is a concerted campaign against secularism powering through this country.

If you want to do something about it from within politics go talk to the Secular Party of Australia. If you want to be involved with some citizen activism help get the Australian Secular Lobby off the ground.