Paddison is described in the Testimonial as being “first and foremost an evangelist.” Do people know what an evangelist is? Perhaps these statements on the ACCESS Ministries and Scripture Union websites might offer a few clues.

Scripture Union:

Mission & Vision
We exist in order to undertake our MISSION:
To see young lives transformed by engaging them with Jesus, the Bible and the local church.

As we engage in our mission, we will realise our VISION:
We want to see a transformed generation of young people impacting Queensland for the Kingdom of God.

ACCESS Ministries:

Mission
ACCESS ministries leads the Church in its mission to reach students and school communities in Victoria and beyond with the transforming love of God and His Son Jesus Christ.
Our vision is to reach every student in Victoria with the Gospel. Join the vision and help us transform this nation for God.

Note the words “every student.” I guess that includes Hindu, Muslim and Buddhist students.

So for evangelists their mission is to convert people to their religion. It is the most important act of obedience to God that they can perform in their lives. No doubt most of the chaplains and RI teachers provided by SU, Access Ministries and other providers share their zeal for mission. Does anyone really believe that they will modify their behaviour in schools and ignore their overwhelming belief in their mission?

The real agenda of organisations like SU and Access Ministries is to proselytize by stealth, and if you don’t understand that you haven’t been paying attention.

"As far as I'm concerned it is not the churches imposing their opinions on secularists, but precisely the other way around, and without too much grace either - more like intolerant bullying.

Posted by David Palmer, Monday, 9 May 2011 12:04:04 PM

What a re-definition: There is no imposing, there is just an expression of a desire for equal opportunity to use the space. Given the failure of secularists to be able to instil programs of their own, through an inability to introduce programs such as the Humanism one, and a general historical lack of cohesion, it is a strawman you put up.

"It is precisely why for these kinds of intolerant secularising, anti religion opinions so many Christians have pulled their children out of the State School system and started their own schools over the past 30+ years."

so, a relatively greater proportion 'left behind' desiring equal use of the SRI space?? for non-SRI programs i.e. non "special-religious" instruction??

I am 77 years old. I am a retired lawyer.It is therefore possible that I have had the oportunity to observe and reflect more than most of the contributors to this discussion on this subject. My view is that it is not correct to say that our way of life has been constructed by therule of law and those of natural justice only. What is correct in my view isthat the Rule of Law and the Rules of natural justice can be traced back to the Commandments. Think of them for a moment. Then think of each of the branches of 'religion'. Eachof them has itsown set of commandments. Each set is based on similar principles of love, fairnessand compassion. Those are the very tenets of the Rule of Law and those of natural justice.

My contention then is that there is nothing sinister in religion as an abstract and therefore it is not to be feared and cando no harm by being told to our children. They are smarter than we think, but the religious message is clear - treat others as you would have them treat you. That means by the Rule of Law and in accordance with the Rules of natural justice.

By the way, I am not particularly religious nor was I harmed by its message being broadcast in all my schools.
cheers everyone. bj34

Neil of Ipswich "In reality, most Australians don’t give a toss about religion."

In reality, most Australians are not campaigning against SRI.

"Figures show that at least 9 out of 10 Australians never go to church except to attend weddings and funerals."

Figures show that only 1 out of 10 (if that) Australians is a militant atheist.
Nobody cares about *your* cause.

I got more than my fair share of religious indoctrination from my Jehovah's Witness parents.

And I still managed to leave their Church in my mid-teens.

And have thought for myself ever since.
You people are vastly overstating the potential influence of these classes.

Tim,
You speak about 'the rule of law' as highly valued and something we can all base our society around. In the very next sentence you speak of 'separation of church and state'. I hope you realise that there is no such law as 'separation of church and state'. That's just a slogan.

And you need to look a bit deeper into your history, and your definition of the word 'secular'. When Victoria established its school system (free, compulsory, & secular), the word secular didn't mean atheist, it meant non-partisan to any particular sect or denomination of the church, Catholic or Protestant.

Up until that point, the churches were the main provider of education, and going forward there was much cooperation between church and government (as the first post above has indicated). There was Bible instruction given as per normal, though not partisan to any particular creed.

The important thing for me is that parents' wishes within a school community are satisfied. 

I don't see the majority of parents wanting the intolerant atheist creed or being as frightened by Gospel teaching as what you are. And I don't see the majority of parents agreeing with your versions of 'balance', or 'human rights' or whatever other jingoistic word you want to angle your way.