Australia
is becoming increasingly multicultural, as a result, it is also becoming
multi-faith. While the separation of church and state may be contentious
enough, the new multi-faith Australia also poses challenges to religious education.
Sydney has experienced a changing educational landscape, government schools
have seen decreasing enrolments as students choose independent schools, usually
with a form of religious affiliation. This blog will observe the rise and role
of religious education in secular Australia.
Proctor
recounts the transition of Sydney’s elite private boy’s schools away from the
testerone fuelled schools of the 20th century, to the more tempered
schools that emerged in the 1990’s. Proctor identifies this change as occurring
in all aspects of school culture, both the sports field and the chapel.
According to Proctor there was a “resurgence in expressive, evangelical forms
[of Christianity] in a number of elite schools.”[1] This new teaching saw
Jesus portrayed as the ideal man – both strong and compassionate. The Jesus of
the boys private school is not the wishy washy Jesus, but the man who
sacrificed himself for you. Proctor’s research reveals that the schools new
teaching did not shy away from the tough topics, with some interviewees feeling
alienated by what they labeled as ‘hellfire and brimstone’ teaching. Elite
private boys schools, notably Anglican, had a new vigour, they were presented
with their saviour, but also with what they needed saving from.
This
evangelical charge paved the way for the expansion of the non-elite Anglican
schools sector, united under the Sydney Anglican Schools Corporation (SASC).
SASC started in1947 with five schools, and grew to 17 schools by 2012, with 12
of the schools created post 1990, the latest started in 2012. Unlike their
elite counterparts, these schools make no attempt to hide their faith behind
history and prestige, the mission statement of the corporation is clear “The SASC seeks to provide quality, affordable education
to local communities. An important aspect of the Corporation's activities is to
communicate the Gospel of Jesus Christ, encouraging students to consider a
Christian worldview.”[2]
The SASC do not back down, but proudly proclaim their crucified King, writing
that school’s “provide an opportunity to bring the Gospel to many thousands of
young people.”[3]
Australia’s educational climate differs to most other secular
nations, as scripture exists in government schools. The church has formed the
backbone of Australian society, quietly serving the community in education and
welfare. To remove either Anglicare, UnitingCare, SASC, or Catholic Education
in Sydney would decimate the Educational and welfare system. What is the role
of religion in education? Religious schools have placed themselves as a
necessary part of the educational framework, yet, are becoming increasingly
evangelical. This raises questions for a secular and multi-faith society.
No comments:
Post a Comment