background: I live in NI. The majority of schools here are 'catholic' or 'protestant'. Secular (integrated) schools are much rarer and one doesn't exist in my area.
The (rural) primary school my kids are at is pretty religious. Much more so than my (suburban) primary growing up. An example would be that last year when I enquired if the school disco at the end of October was fancy dress, I was sternly informed that Halloween is a 'Taboo Festival' and it was an 'end of term' disco.
I am an atheist, DH is more agnostic. I accept that there will always be an element of religion at primary school, religious assemblies, church services at certain times of year, etc. It was the same when I was a kid and well, it's normal here. I don't mind this, I attend where necessary and support the children - the kids seem to enjoy it and I say nothing about my own feelings on religion. The odd thing raises an eyebrow, such as bringing home a book on the life of Martin Luther as an end of term present (from a religious organisation similar to the one below) but on the whole I roll with it.
My child came home from school a few days ago with a letter in the book bag, stating that from now until the end of the year child is to wear sportswear rather than uniform to school one day a week, as a religious organisation will be coaching them in a sports activity on a weekly basis (during normal school hours). The letter goes on that the organisation performs this service for free, but a voluntary donation of 50p/week (£17.50 for the year) is requested to support the organisation's work.
I looked up the organisation online and the focus appears to be very much on spreading the gospel, rather than the sporting activity.
AIBU to not want to financially support this organisation? I didn't send 50p last week (more because i forgot, rather than a deliberate action) and received a 'reminder note' to please send in the 50p. I don't want my child to be treated differently just because I/we don't agree with this practice, but teachers would definitely judge us. DH is swinging more towards paying just to stay below the radar. It's the kind of community that frowns at you if you mow the lawn on a Sunday. But paying for this unwanted extra-curricular activity really sticks in my throat. Not the sport, that would be fine and I would pay (and have paid, actually, last year, for coaches from the sport's own governing body to take classes). AIBU?