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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to be fed up with school thinking it is okay to keep giving my sons a bible and asking them to pray?

209 replies

soontobeslendergirl · 07/03/2014 21:41

I don't have any issue with people following whatever religion or belief that they choose.

However, despite going to a non-denominational school, both my sons are now in possession of two copies (each) of the New Testament. These have been handed out at school assemblies by persons unknown and they have been asked to pray at the end.

I am sure that the school population wont be exclusively Christian.

We are of no religion, neither of my son's have any religious beliefs.

I'd like to remove them from worship in school, they don't want to make a fuss or be made out to be "different" by sitting out. I respect that, but it really annoys me.

The home and with parents is the place for this. I have no issue with religious education as this gives my children the opportunity to learn what others believe and to make their own choices, but worship is another matter.

OP posts:
Waltonswatcher1 · 07/03/2014 22:18

And take lots of colourful literature with huge pictures of dinosaur fossils to hand out!

Original poster
soontobeslendergirl · 07/03/2014 22:20

I think that RME is the place to cover all the different beliefs as part of a lesson. If they want to include reflection time in a group assembly then fine.

Waltons - that would freak me out - standing in front of 150 12 year olds!!

thknack - they were not asked to reflect on their good luck, they were "asked" to join in a prayer. Not the same thing imo

OP posts:
Waltonswatcher1 · 07/03/2014 22:20

Better still , send them home with a few coprolites (spelling?)
-who can argue with fossilised poo.

Original poster
soontobeslendergirl · 07/03/2014 22:21

Waltons :o

OP posts:
Waltonswatcher1 · 07/03/2014 22:22

You get my point though huh ! How often are kids taught about the alternative to religion . Never in my 14 years experience .

Original poster
soontobeslendergirl · 07/03/2014 22:24

I'll have to ask them tbf Walton - maybe they have but just haven't been handed out "my big book of dinosaurs" and asked to worship t-rex and so I haven't noticed/been informed.

OP posts:
Theknacktoflying · 07/03/2014 22:25

But being intelligent children, they know that others may be praying ...

Smile

I am sure they are also asked to be quiet ....

Waltonswatcher1 · 07/03/2014 22:27

Send them in on World Book Day as a pair of raptors , if you get a call to collect them we know the answer !

Original poster
soontobeslendergirl · 07/03/2014 22:30

I shouldn't think they would have to be asked to be quiet. They know to be respectful of others and so just sit quietly, my youngest was actually very uncomfortable about it as he told me that he was aware that there may be people of other religions there that might be offended.

He was at a friends house for tea and they said grace which was a bit of a new experience but he just sat quietly and then ate his meal. I don't have a problem with him being respectful, it just seems to be total overkill and I object to the way the prayer bit is done.

I've promised not to complain to the school though so I have come on here for a mini rant to get it out my system.

OP posts:
Nanny0gg · 07/03/2014 22:37

They say 'Let us pray'.

Your DC sit there quietly having a bit of a daydream.

Prayer over, job done. No-one gets hurt.

What is the problem?

And whilst it is nice for your younger one to be worried that others may be offended, he really shouldn't be. If they are I'm sure they or their parents can speak to the HT.

Dinosaursareextinct · 07/03/2014 22:39

I think you're right to be concerned. And as I suspected up-thread the head is an evangelical Christian and is abusing his position of power over a large number of children to "spread the word". It amazes me that people on Mumsnet are so relaxed about this kind of thing. Would everyone feel the same if the Head of their local comp was an active Muslim and introduced frequent Islamic prayer sessions and sent everyone home with texts from the Koran on a regular basis, while never mentioning other religions (or atheism)?
I think you should complain. If he wants to, he can introduce a lunchtime Christianity club (and bribe the children with sweets to attend like they do at DC's C of E primary).

Original poster
soontobeslendergirl · 07/03/2014 22:42

But I think it is a problem Nanny. On a day to day basis, yes, no-one gets hurt. However, it isn't right. Religious worship has no place in schools. That's what churches etc are for. It's the fact that it is seen as acceptable to spend educational time on encouraging children to follow one religion that is very much an issue imo.

OP posts:
Original poster
soontobeslendergirl · 07/03/2014 22:43

Dinosaurs - absolutely!

OP posts:
TheFabulousIdiot · 07/03/2014 22:43

I agree with you OP. religion should be removed from all schools.

cozietoesie · 07/03/2014 22:45

I think that part of the problem is that in many parts of Scotland, 'non-denominational' is actually taken to mean 'not Catholic' - and not that there's no religion at all. Very frequently there is still significant religious observance in such schools whether desired by the parents or not.

You really need to discuss this with the appropriate person in your local Education Authority.

Waltonswatcher1 · 07/03/2014 22:45

It's amazing though the amount of non believers who get married in a church - christened - go at christmas ; and all that razamataze . Then send their kids to a church school cos its better .
Now that irks me more than the free bible givers !
Not hugely relevant - just musing !

BoffinMum · 07/03/2014 22:45

I am a practising Christian and I think religion should not part of state funded schools.

Periwonkle · 07/03/2014 22:47

Religion is really not like a penis. How puerile.

Waltonswatcher1 · 07/03/2014 22:49

I like radio twos ' thought for the day '.
This covers all religions and beliefs , lots if non believers too .
Just what it says , a thought for the day . This would be more appropriate in schools perhaps ?.

Original poster
soontobeslendergirl · 07/03/2014 22:49

Thanks boffin and cozie - i definitely don't want to come across as if I have a problem with anyone practising whatever religion (or none) that they choose to from the comfort of their own home/church etc.

I just think that education lessons aside, it has no place in school.

Waltons - yup, didn't get married in church, didn't get the children baptised/christened, currently investigating non religious funerals.

OP posts:
MadAsFish · 07/03/2014 22:50

You'll be religious, then, periwonkle?

soverylucky · 07/03/2014 22:51

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
soontobeslendergirl · 07/03/2014 22:51

waltons, yes i agree, I hear that from time to time when i am late for work

OP posts:
Periwonkle · 07/03/2014 22:53

Mad - the simile is ridiculous.

Sunnysummer · 07/03/2014 22:56

I'm also confused as IME non-denominational does mean Christian but not a particular grouping. I went to a non-denom school that had church twice a week, but which was relaxed about children of other faiths and whether they chose to attend or if they did, whether they participated.

Does 'non-denom' mean secular in the UK, or England at least? If so, then YANBU but otherwise I suspect Y may be a little U...