By Rod Benson
In November last year, when the ethics class trial was discussed in principle, with limited information available, the NSW Council of Churches took a wait-and-see approach to their usefulness.
Now that the trial is coming to an end, both on the record and anecdotal evidence indicates that entrenched anti-religious sentiment, and not an innocent desire for children to be more ethically informed, is driving the push for ethics classes in NSW state schools.
There has also been a significant detrimental impact on SRE teaching at several of the trial schools. And there are many unanswered questions.
The promised departmental review must be rigorous and fair and transparent, and there must be full consultation with all interested parties.
If the Keneally Government decides to continue these ethics classes, they must not interfere with the ongoing religious education classes, and they must not be used to promote disrespect for religious faith or faith-based ethics.
Broadcast on 2CH Sydney, 13 June 2010.
