GaryP

A message from the reporter today states that Rob Boston was insistent that teachers should not participate and the Supt. just as insistent that they could if "on their own time".

One of my principles that I don't feel I could compromise on is teachers praying with kids ON CAMPUS.

This school system in the past 5 years has;

1) Set up a "common ground" committee to set policies relating to relationships with churches. The members were all christian ministers and board members. When asked if they tried to get non-christain members, I was told that there are only christian churches in town. Isn't that the definition of minority faiths or non-faiths?

2) Had hymns sung at commencement.

3) Referred to graduation ceremonies as "commencement/baccalaureate".

4) Played Christian rock throughout the HS before start of classes.

5) Has an Athletic Director who helped organize the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

6) Has had the HS choir sing xmas concerts at two churches and the local christian TV station.

7) Had a Jr Hi principal open a PTA meeting with prayer.

8) Had a policy of allowing creationism discussion in science classes.

9) Had a policy which "encourage(d) staff and students to seek a religious affiliation".

10) Proposed a policy of having ministers staffed in school to act as guidance counselors.

11) Takes elementary students across the street to a church for after school tutoring. No one has explained to me why this is necessary.

Some of these things are probably legal and some are no longer in effect partly due to my insistent letter writing but mostly due to AU's intervention.

Alonzo, I think your suggestion is great! But most Christians who promote this kind of activity in schools would not equate their form of religion with illogical reasoning.

The equal activity I could participate in at the school would be a lecture on the mythology and legends contained in the Bible.

I think there is indeed a place for seminars and such but I hardly ever get a reply from these people and when I do they rarely address my concerns. And sometimes they do, but they don't tell me about it, e.g. the graduation hymns.

We NEED organizations such as AU to get things done. This activity (teachers praying W/ kids before the school day) is at least questionable. I think Mr. Boston has some credentials.

From their site;

What Is See You at the Pole?

First, you need to know that SYATP is student-initiated, student-organized, and student-led. That means this is all about students meeting at their school flagpole to pray—for their school, friends, teachers, government, and nation. This is not a demonstration, political rally, or a stand for or against anything.

The prceding was from;

syatp.org

GaryP

Heard on a Christian radio show this morning "testamonials" concerning SYATP.

One gentleman said that the one he remembers most fondly is a girl getting off the bus and beginning to cry.

A Christian teacher who was "observing" the activity (which is legal) saw her crying and went over to ask what was wrong.

Girl says, "They're praying for me." Teacher is able to counsel her then and there into acceptance of "Christ as her Lord!"

If this really happened, has not the teacher become a participant rather than a neutral observor?