Church schools should stop discriminating against teachers and pupils, say church leaders

[edam]

This news story is interesting. New group of church leaders and 'secular figures' campaigning to stop religious schools discriminating against non-religious families and staff, or those from the 'wrong' denomination.

(I have looked to see if there's a thread on this already but couldn't find one.)

People with imaginary friends can often be lovely, highly ethical individuals who just happen to have this minor quirk. Myth=based organisations can do excellent, socially-beneficial work. Superstition can also be extremely toxic and socially divisive. I do not care what crap other people believe any more than I care what football teams they follow. But, given the worrying rise in privileging the superstitious, I think it is actualy socially important to criticize superstition and people's imaginary friends in the public arena. Do whatever you like in your own gathering places, etc, read/write whatever you like, but don't forget that others are under no obligation to take your superstitions seriously.

May I suggest that if anyone objects to God/Jehovah/Allah/whatever name you prefer being described as an imaginary friend, they prove his/her/its existence?

Until you can do that, it's a fair cop, really. I'm sort of CofE as it happens but am not offended by that description - a non-believer by definition thinks God is all in the imagination of those who do believe.

The argument that objections to discriminatory admissions policies are jealousy are wide of the mark. My ds goes to a very, very good non-denominational school as it happens. But am I concerned about the social impact of widespread discrimination on religious grounds - a third of schools in this country are faith schools.

I object to discrimination on religious grounds as a matter of principle, just as I object to discrimination on grounds of gender, race, sexuality, disability, age etc. etc.

Good post btw.

hello Swedes! Will look out for the email but the answer is yes, I think. There are 15 nursery places starting Sept, 15 in Jan (assuming nothing has changed since ds was in that group). But you live closer to school than me and all three children from my road who applied in ds's year got in. So you should be fine. Similar staggered start when they go up to reception.

Do you remember all the ruckus cause by muslim cartoons? And you think they won't take offense if you go around referring to him as an "imaginary friend"? I can't really imagine how even a non-believer could think that was acceptable.

To not believe in God is your choice. To persistently antagonise those who do is just plain rude.

Re The imaginary friend thing- don't think that would bother me that much (each to ther own) but if what donnie said about witless / stupid etc is correct (and knowing Donnie it will be) then that is what I don't like. I don't thik Atheists / followers of other religions are witless- just people who made different choices. I will happily criticise any indivisual behaviours that I find immoral, but otherwise its all choice.

If you send your child to a Catholic school and they are not Catholic the Catholic belief is not enforced on that child. I went to Catholic school and my best friend was not Catholic but also went there and she never had to do what we did like Holy communion or confession or mass.

" And you think they won't take offense if you go around referring to him as an "imaginary friend"? "

Prehaps a secular education would teach such people develop some maturity tolerance a thicker skin.

I don't mind the fact that athetist think that god/God is an immaginery friend. I am more worried about religous terrorists who blow up innocent people.

This is why it's important to refer to imaginary friends as such: if you're offended, that's your problem. You don't have the right to insist that other people actually take your superstitions seriously in a public environment. The fact that the authorities these days tend to cave in at the threat of violence from people outraged that someone has expressed criticism of their imaginary friend or used it as a target for satire is extremely worrying.

the only person around here with "imaginary friends" is you solidgoldbrass...because from what iv'e seen of you, they're the only ones you'll ever have.

oh and btw, think you need to change the last part of your name, but don't worry....it rhymes with brass and no will will really notice

dp that is a bit unnecessary

I get seriously worried about religous people who are unable to laugh at themselves. They are fundementalists and very dangerous.

I believe in God, but I also accept others thinking its a figment of human imagination. Whether its pretend or otherwise, I know I benefit from going to church occassionally.
Maybe you don't believe in God, but that imaginary friend changes people in amazing ways.

Sending my son to a secular school is allowing him to meet people with all different sorts of views. As he gets older he will develop his own beliefs that might not be the same as mine. It will also prepare him for a multi cultural world where people share different beliefs.

Its easier to hate Muslims, Christians, Jedi Knights if you don't know any personally. It is far easier to hate a large group of people than an individual. Its why I am so opposed to seperating different relgious groups at an early age.

I am in awe of some of the Christians I know. One lady at my church was very seriously injured in the 7 July bombing and was intensive care for weeks. She was in the same carriage as the bomber and we expected her to die of her horrendous injuries. In fact our church prayed to our imaginary friend and got a mircle that shocked all the doctors.

However inspite of this experience she is still full of love. She has been involved in outreach work with both church and mosques to try and combat extremism. Its the power of her imaginary friend that has given her the strength to do that.

most catholics have a brilliant sense of humour.....just look at Father Ted.

It's true about Catholics and comedy. But to be fair they are usually lapsed Catholics...

IB... that's true.. and i'm sure i heard Father Ted was banned in Ireland?

lol.. the Irish will just have to get Sky won't they.

Ahem Father Ted was not banned in Ireland and we do have Sky! As you were.

oh go on

I'm Mrs Doyles illegitimate daughter and Jacks me da! Go feckin on go feckin on go feckin on!

If I showed Father Ted to the practicing Catholics in my family they would be very upset and offended. They find plenty of things funny, but I suspect the swearing alone would upset them, let alone the ridiculing of something they consider incredibly important. I am the on the hand really enjoy it.

Oh, I miss Father Ted, Father Jack, Father Dougal and Mrs Doyle. I'm sure I met the real versions of each of them when I went over for my friend's wedding...

that would be an ecumenical matter

Really nooka? My parents love it and they are practicing Catholics. I bought my father the DVD.

There are Catholics and Catholics, nooks. My mum's a practising Catholic and she loves Father Ted.