Diocese banning visit from gay author and sacking governors that approved it

[gymgymgo]

The Archdiocese of Southwark over-ruled one of its own headteachers and is sacking some governors because they approved the visit of a children's author who writes books about fictional gay characters. They've said the visit is "outside the scope of what is permissible in a Catholic school". The school's chaplain has said "the event is about promoting the literature of a lifestyle choice that is contrary to the teachings of Jesus Christ." Some of the teachers are now threatening strike action. Aibu to think this story will blow up in the diocese's face?

inews.co.uk/news/catholic-state-school-john-fisher-southwark-diocese-governors-cancel-visit-gay-author-simon-james-green-1505735

'Simon James Green’s “Noah Could Never” describes, among other things, a boy admiring a naked French exchange student’s genitals, and an adult encouraging a 16-year-old to try oral sex with his boyfriend.
The author’s website suggests that the two books “Noah Can’t Even” and “Noah Could Never” are the focus of his secondary school visits and that he addresses children in “years 7+” i.e. from the age of 11. The John Fisher School intended boys aged 12 to 14 to be present to hear the author speak. Parents of pupils at the school were encouraged to buy the author’s books for their sons so the author could sign them.
John Denning, Education Officer at The Christian Institute, said:
“The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Southwark has not withdrawn this invitation because the author is gay. It has done so because some of the material in the books is simply inappropriate for the target audience of 12 to 14 year-olds.
“Books like this should not be promoted to children by any school, let alone one with a Roman Catholic ethos. Whether the author is gay or straight, it is the sexual content which is the problem. If the book depicted a boy ogling a girl’s genitals, people would be rightly outraged. Making the ogling gay doesn’t make it okay.
“Likewise, if a book depicted an adult encouraging a boy to try oral sex with his girlfriend, most people would think that was creepy, to say the least. The fact that the boy is in a gay relationship does not make it any less creepy.”
Quoted from The Christian Institute.

Who gives a fuck what the Christian institute have to say?

If the CI had their way we'd still have section 28.

The school is shut because the teachers are striking over this. Good on them.

just listened to this on WatO with the Union Rep as the teachers are on strike and the school is shut.
As well as they 'gay' factor there's also the blasphemy of the 'Lords Prayer' bit in the book. Who ever booked him to talk on the book had obviously never read 'Noah can't even' as never mind the gay bit the blasphemy is a bit rich for most Catholics I would suspect. Might have benefit as part of a debate but that wasn't what was billed.

I'd rather see a school promoting homosexuality* than homophobia tbh

*Inviting a gay author to speak about his books which feature gay characters is not "promoting" homosexuality

A big mess.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-61245078

I'd imagine that's exactly what most parents sending DC to Catholic school would expect

FFS. Most Catholics would support this? Not in my circles., not at all.

I think that when so much heat is generated by something it's quite useful to highlight a fact or two 😊

The Christian Institute and facts do not go hand in hand.

I can understand why a school with a Christian ethos would not want a visit from an author who wrote a book containing the following quote:
'Let us pray.” “Our Father, who art the gay boy? Noah be his name…” […]
“He makes Harry come. He gives him one. On earth as it is in Heaven. …” […] “And lead him straight into temptation. Right into a gay bar. For Noah is a gay boy. Who likes to suck c**k. For ever and ever. He’s gay.”

Yes to @Snippysocks I would not want my child reading the above content at all. I am a Christian and the fact that this author has used the words of Bible, which is our Holy Book in such way, is horrific to me. I think that if he has used the words in the Qu'ran in such a way, then people would feel that Muslims are justifiable in their anger. Christians do not get the same leeway.

Thank you @DietCoke99
It's easy for people to yell 'homophobia' and 'bigot' when a little research would reveal facts not publicised.

And yet the same person promotes following the teachings in a book which states (among many other gems):

She lusted after her lovers, whose genitals were like those of donkeys and whose emission was like that of horses.

• Ezekiel 23:20

So can I

Filth

Filth

You think most teenagers haven't read worse? Including in the bible.

Although I love the thought of someone at the cunt institute reading all his books desperate to find something to be offended by.

Well call me old fashioned but that doesn't sound terribly suitable for 12-14 year olds. And it does sound pretty offensive to Christians (I'm not a Christian).

The Christian Institute would wet themselves if an author even described two men holding hands.

This is not representative of the Roman Catholic schools my children have attended. I am disappointed to read that so many responders assume that my children are being raised bigoted homophobes when nothing could be further from the truth. At my dcs RC senior school they have weekly "character" lessons where they are taught about respect and tolerance for different types of relationships and sexuality. The school has always been a safe place for children to express their sexuality and gender identity (in a safe way for other girls). The school is very supportive of supporting children who want to change their names and pronouns, and will not allow any bullying based on sexuality or gender. My children have been taught by gay teachers and even been supported by an openly gay priest. Most Catholics have moved on with their attitudes, just like the rest of the community, and hopefully the other major religions have too.

But it's ok for the author to be insulting to the Christian faith and mock the bible. Would he have done that to another religious faith's holy book

I don't blame the diocese. I wouldn't have wanted my own dc to be exposed to this literature even if it was written about heterosexual relationships

I don't see it as an insult, more like a reference. There are worse things in the actual bible.

And somehow I doubt the diocese read that particular passage, they just didn't like that he's gay and writes books about gay romances.

I’ve just read an excerpt of this book online. It’s terrible writing. Really, really awful.

That’s reason to stop the visit. If we are going to bring authors into schools, the books have to actually be worth reading.

Was there any editing? Any professional proofreading? It’s so poor.

There aren't worse things in the bible, @codeVeronica . That's simply untrue.

Completely agree @woodhill and @Porcupineintherough .

Spot on @Nolongerteaching. Author wouldn't have got a great mark in GCSE English.