Social & Moral Issues Education

DA STATEMENT ON RELIGION IN EDUCATION CHRISTIAN VIEW 5 May 2003 Please find below the Democratic Alliance's statement on religion in education, which supports the rights of parents and school governing bodies to decide on their schools policy. We are extremely encouraged by this response and hope the government will listen and stop Kader Asmal. Clarification: ChristianView Network relationship to political parties We have previously received criticism for publishing statements and comments on political party policies and must therefore clarify the issue. ChristianView Network is not linked to any political party, but seeks to influence all political parties with Biblical values and assist others who do so. We sometimes publish or comment on statements of political parties or political leaders on specific issues to assist our members and supporters to influence the political process. Sometimes our comments are interpreted as an endorsement or criticism of that political party or leader. As an independent lobbying organisation, however, our comments are restricted to their policies and actions on specific issues. You need to consider all the policies and records of the various parties and leaders before deciding who to vote for. Philip Rosenthal ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- STATEMENT BY WILLEM DOMAN MP DA SPOKESPERSON ON EDUCATION: RELIGIOUS PRACTICE AT SCHOOLS Release, immediate: Friday, 02 May 2003 In the past few weeks DA structures, including the Western Cape Provincial Management Committee, have had some strong words to say on Minister Kader Asmal's proposed interference with religious practice at schools. Motions that were adopted included, among others, the following: 1. The Constitution of the Republic is clear on freedom of religion and freedom of association - furthermore permission is granted for religious practices at state or state-aided schools, subject to certain conditions. 2. Section 7 of the South African Schools Act 84 of 1996 supports the same principle, but adds that governing bodies may determine rules, and that such assemblies should take place on a voluntary basis. 3. Surveys conducted in 1996 and 1997 made it clear that the vast majority of religious communities prefer a specific model, and also that children should receive instruction on a specific faith according to their parents' choice. Further to this, the DA welcomes the protests at schools by parents, governing bodies and teachers against Minister Asmal's interference in communities' freedom of religion. In the recent past, there has been ample evidence that these bodies are competent and responsible enough to handle this sensitive matter effectively and without any compulsion. They should be permitted to continue with this. Minister Asmal's contention that he is being misinterpreted convinces no-one - this eloquent and seldom-silent minister's views on sensitive matters are supposedly misinterpreted far too often. We suspect that the minister is wilful rather than clumsy, and we wish to point out to him that his present vendetta will harm all faiths, including the Christian faith, which is adhered to by more than 80 per cent of all South Africans. It did not go unnoticed that the ANC did not consult its alliance partner the NNP on this sensitive matter. If Minister Asmal were to abandon his plans in this regard, it would be thanks to strong protest at grassroots level, and the actions of parents, governing bodies, teachers and clergy, as well as newspaper editors. That is an example of civil society at its best! FOR INFORMATION: WILLEM DOMAN 083 400 2134 MEDIA LIAISON: ANTHONY HAZELL 082 787 4002 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- CHRISTIAN VIEW is a news and information service on issues of concern to Christians in South Africa. To receive Christianview, email receive@christianview.org To download pamphlets and articles, visit www.christianview.org Please forward and photocopy Christian View to give to friends and put on church or society notice boards. For more information, email the editor or phone 082 676 8966. Please email us with any information, details of planned activities and organisations' statements on issues. _______________________________________________ Pleased read our disclaimer   Back to Social Issues