It is hilarous that most of those opposing Chaplains have no problem with their kids going to Kylie or ga ga concerts. No wonder many of the kids are acting as sluts by the time they are in their teen years. The main opposition I suspect is the total lack of decent values that many parents display being exposed by a bit of decency. They want any sign of light extinguished by darkness. Maybe the thing they despise the most (recruitment by Jesus) might be the thing that stops their kids walking their own parents fallen tracks.

This article tells you everything you need to know about school chaplains.

http://www.27bslash6.com/easter.html

The one thing bible-thumpers cannot handle is anyone taking the micky out of their delusions!

Meredith writes:

>>> Individual chaplains may be well meaning themselves but the movement is contrary to a progressive values such as tolerance, separation of church and state, and commitment to reason and evidence rather than the superstition and bigotry of a bygone era. <<<

The arrogance of religion in general and Christianity in particular is breathtaking, Christianity is but one of many religions claiming to be the "one truth".

I imagine that our resident god-botherers would not so smugly complacent were all school chaplains Muslim.

Excellent article, which goes a small way to redressing the imbalance of articles and discussion threads favouring a neo-con agenda. We free-thinkers humbly accept even a small crumb such as this.

Which God is the real one? Even the Christians don't seem to be able to agree, having well into the 1000's of variants of what Christianity is about. I am sure there are many well meaning Chaplains, some may take their pastoral duties seriously rather than use their positin for recruiting purposes.

But, how do parents know if their Chaplain is of the fundamentalist variety teaching the kids less about respect and morality but about judgement,obedience and instilling fear about devils etc. .

Shouldn't morality and values be a subject for the home not using public education as a ripe field for indoctrination.

One of the saddest documentaries I ever watched was the effect of religious teachings that force FGM on young girls, and another in the US about the effects of radical Christian teachings on a group of young children at a youth camp.

The feelings of insecurity and inadequacy that this preacher instilled in the kids was heartbreaking. No uplifting feelings at all, or talk of love or any form of confidence building It was all about 'breaking the kids down'. The hate that some religious folk instil in others, not only towards other religious faiths, is quite frightening at times. I don't tar all religious people with the same brush but what checks are there to ensure Chaplains are not of this variety.

Who knows what people are being let into schools on this program? Keep indoctrination out of schools - I grealty resent taxpayer funds being used in this way.

How would Christian parents feel if Islamic Chaplains were allowed into the schools in our secular society. In reality it is highly prejudicial that only Christian Chaplains are allowed, which is why it is best to keep personal supernatural beliefs within the home and Church.

I can remember how some Christian (usually Catholic) children sitting with me in class at state school would have to leave when we had 'religious instruction'. This was more than 70 years ago, long before we became so culturally diversified. In 2010, how many parents want or will allow their children to receive instruction regarding religion in class.

What we need in our schools from grade 1 to grade 12 are the teachings of moral philosophers and psychologists.

Dear Diver Dan
Which tradition? - suicide bombing? molestation of children by various priests, parsons, ministers? The abomination that is Palestine and the dispossed, homeless victims of alleged biblical prophecy?

Which morality? - the rape of defenceles children? The vietnam war? The abuse of the democratic process in this country and many others? The constant mental abuse of children by loading them with terror, guilt and self disgust via medieval superstition? The notions of 'sin' and 'redemption' (conveniently provided for a price) by the priestly hierachy?

Which decency? - the vision of a man writhing in agony on a cross? The nonsensical expectations of Lourdes and 'miraculous' cures? The genital mutilation of defenceless baby boys and girls? The constant fear of god's vengeance for natural bodily functions?

The list goes on. Possibly the most disgusting aspect of the school chaplaincy program is that both political sides support this form of child abuse (one of many religion inspired forms) with public funds - and not insignificant funds at that.