http://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/localnews/storydisplay.cfm?storyid=3680726&thesection=localnews&thesubsection=&thesecondsubsection=
Satanism coming to classroom: MP 18.04.2006 By NEIL HICKEY SATANISM and witchcraft could replace Christianity on the state school curriculum under a proposed overhaul of religious education, National Party MP Fiona Simpson warned yesterday. Ms Simpson said the draft Education Bill would make it entirely feasible for the black arts to be taught in the states primary and high schools. The Bill could be introduced in the next sitting of parliament, which starts tomorrow. Because of the changes theyve made to the Anti-discrimination Act under this government, it would be entirely feasible for someone to put up a curriculum to teach witchcraft or Satanism, she said. Im not being extremist here. Its completely feasible under the changes that are coming. Theyve opened the door for that to happen. But a spokeswoman for Education Minister Rod Welford described Ms Simpsons claims as hysterical. The spokeswoman said applications from religious groups would need to meet criteria from the Department of Education before being voted on by the school community. There is no way they would approve anything like witchcraft or Satanism, she said. The application will have to consider a range of things like are there any other people to teach it, do they have a blue card qualification, whats being taught and does it condone anything against our laws. The claims by Ms Simpson, a practising Christian taught Christianity herself in the state school system, were also rubbished by senior religion figures. Father John Dobson, the head of the Catholic Church on the Sunshine Coast, said the Maroochydore MPs claims were irrational. Fiona Simpson is in opposition and the job of opposition is to oppose, he said. We all know that doesnt demand rational thinking... I dont feel theres any threat from Satanism. Reverend Glenn Mulcahy, a Minister with the Uniting Church in Nambour, agreed Satanism posed little threat of being adopted in the classroom. Father Dobson and Reverend Mulcahy welcomed the plan to expand the curriculum with other mainstream religions. I think it would be good for genuine Islamic studies, along with Judaism and Buddhism, to be available to students, Father Dobson said. Christianity should not survive if it means excluding all else. (Ms Simpson is) raising the old fear technique that is well acquainted in the Australian political system. Gargoyle's Occult Services - http://www.angelfire.com/goth/drgargoyle __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& Visit our Psychic/Paranormal message boards at http://www.skatemd.com/forums/index.php Arcade, Journals, Chats, Boards, Fun! Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/paranormal_stuff/ <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
