Users' questions

Can state schools be religious?

Can state schools be religious?

The term is most commonly applied to state-funded faith schools, although many independent schools also have religious characteristics. There are various types of state-funded faith school, including Voluntary Aided (VA) schools, Voluntary Controlled (VC) schools, and Faith Academies.

Do public schools teach religion?

While it is constitutionally permissible for public schools to teach about religion, it is unconstitutional for public schools and their employees to observe religious holidays, promote religious belief, or practice religion.

What percentage of schools are religious?

In fall 2015, of the 34,600 private elementary and secondary schools in the United States, 20 percent were Catholic schools, 12 percent were conservative Christian schools, 9 percent were affiliated religious schools, 26 percent were unaffiliated religious schools, and 33 percent were nonsectarian schools.

Are there any religious schools in South Australia?

Most Australian states, except for South Australia and Victoria, still allow volunteers from religious organisations to provide confessional, RI — also known in some states as Special Religious Instruction (SRI) or Religious Education (RE) — in school time.

Why was religion taught in schools in Victoria?

In the state of Victoria, the Education Act founded our schools on the principle of “free, secular and compulsory”. It was argued that secular education would remove religious discrimination and unite the community. Leading campaigners argued that religion should be taught in church and at home, rather than in schools.

Are there any diverse worldviews in Australian schools?

The lack of diverse worldviews education in Australia’s state schools is somewhat of an anomaly, given international best practices in this field, the religious composition of Australian society and the lived experiences of young Australians.

Are there any restrictions on religion in schools?

This act stipulates that public school education must be secular. Schools are not permitted to promote “any particular religious practice, denomination or sect, and must be open to adherents of any philosophy, religion or faith”.