| The Principal at Westmount High School shut down the lunch hour Bible study at her school, even though it was led by a youth pastor, was voluntary for the students to attend, and was not held during school hours. Except for the lack of a teacher/sponsor, they were operating within the Regulations. The Youth Pastor had been invited by students in the Spring of 2000 to come and lead their group, received permission from the principal and vice-principal of the school, and has been welcomed each week ever since. There group has grown to over 50 students of various faiths and of no faith.
However, before considering public consultation, or dialogue with the Bible club group and parents, the School Council, or the new trustees, the Co-Management Team consisting of the Director, Mr. Matier, the Chair, Judith Bishop, and Assistant Deputy to Minister of Education, Mr. Norbert Hartmann quickly deliberated and issued a formal Statement. They plan to share the Board's position with area faith leaders, to direct principals with regard to implementation, and to allow students to observe their faith and required religious obligations, eg. dietary restrictions, manner of dress and/or the recitation of prayers at prescribed times.
Quote from Board Chair, Judith Bishop, "All parents want to be sure that any adult their child meets in the school has been vetted by the school. They also want to be sure that they have knowledge about what their child is being taught. There are parents who are fearful of their child being exposed to cults. There are parents who do not want their child to be exposed to religious beliefs that contradict their family beliefs. The school has a duty to be a safe place for all students." Right on, Madame Chair, but you've mistaken Christianity with a cult!
Director and Secretary of the Hamilton Board, Mr. Merv Matier, advised that a meeting of the Co-Management Team was held on November 28th, 2003. Also in attendance were: Superintendents of schools , Mark Zega, legal counsel, and Jane Allison. References used were :
From that meeting, they prepared and passed a Board Statement, Religion in Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board Secondary and Elementary Schools, that can be found on their website.
There has been considerable media coverage of this issue. On November 11th, 2003 on 900 CHML Roy Green's show, at 9:30 a.m., Eleanor Johnstone and Judith Bishop of our School Board spoke to this issue, as well as Pastor Mark Bonam, youth pastor and facilitator of the high school group.
Roy Green revisited the issue on November 27th, 2003, and several people call in, most in support of these discussion groups. CTS's On the Line, with Christine Williams hosted students, parents, the youth pastor, and Jim Enos of the HWFAC. The School Board Chair was invited to join them in the discussion; however, they declined the invitation.
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