We typically don't share information like this with you all because we
have worked very hard to be seen not as a potential liability but as an
asset to the schools. We have worked all year to encourage young
believers to carry their Bible in their backpack and read it on their
free time. In light of this, I feel this article that I received via
email today from Christian Educators Association International is very
important for us as Christians, Parents, Teachers, and Ministers.
Please bear in mind this stand is an exact duplicate of the article I
received. Since part of what we do outside the schools is inform
students, parents and the body of Christ of a law that allows Bible
clubs in the schools that makes what you are about to read relevant to
our partners. Here is the article:
“The Zero Tolerance for God POLICE surfaced in Knox County
Tennessee to protect our school children from being exposed to Biblical
Truth,” announced Finn Laursen, Executive Director of Christian
Educators, a professional association for Christian teachers in public
schools.
Against the First Amendment of our Constitution and all logic, a Knox
County School District’s Elementary principal reportedly corralled a 10
year old student and banned him from reading his Bible during recess
when he and his friends invested their free time in studying the tenets
of their faith. This obviously illegal, oppressive act was perpetrated
on one of our young citizens in response to a parental complaint. In
the never ending striving for political correctness sandwiched between
slices of misinformation, a great injustice was done.
“The first amendment establishes freedom from religious persecution
regardless of age,” explained Mr. Laursen. “As an agent of the
government this principal over-stepped his authority when he ordered
his charge not to read the Bible during his free time just because a
parent believed it inappropriate.”
According to Laursen, students may have religious discussions and Bible
study during non-instructional time. Legally school officials simply
cannot tell a student that he can't bring his Bible to school or study
it with friends during non-classroom time.
The reality of our religious freedoms continues to be misinterpreted.
As cases like this arise, Mr. Laursen encourages students, parents and
educators, to point out such errors in judgment with respect for the
authorities in charge.
The Executive Director further offers support for those finding
themselves or others in similar situations. “By connecting with us
through our website at www.ceai.org, we can offer advice and when
appropriate can refer victims of religious persecution to appropriate
legal agencies to fight such oppression at no cost to the victims.”
In this case the Alliance Defense Fund stepped in to provide the needed support for this 10 year old’s parents.
I am asking all of you to pray, not fight, pray. Let's support this family with our prayers.--bob |
