Quebec, Canada – Some school wants to take a pass on the new ethics and religious-culture course that is to be mandatory in Quebec schools starting in the fall.
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One of its goals is to foster harmonious social relations in Quebec. The government says students will learn about the important place of Catholicism and Protestantism in Quebec’s religious heritage, as well as the contributions of Judaism and native spiritualities. Elements of other religious traditions are also part of the course.
As for the ethics component, high school students, for example, will look at questions dealing with such issues as tolerance and justice.
Donovan said he objects to religious schools being told they must teach something “that is potentially contradictory” to their belief system.
Others have reservations about the course. Mendel Marasow, executive director of Beth Rivkah Academy, an Orthodox Jewish school, contends studying other religions contravenes Jewish law. He suggested some content might be problematic for his school to teach.
Charley Levy, director-general of the Association of Jewish Day Schools, said there have been changes to the program and attempts by the Education Department to reassure people. “Based on that, in good faith – pardon the pun – we’re going to try to implement the program to the best of our ability,” he said. The association represents 15 schools.
For the religious culture part of the course, the Education Department wants students to understand the significance of places of worship, beliefs and religious institutions in Quebec, said Denis Watters, the official responsible for the new program. But students won’t be initiated into religious practices, the government insists. “It’s a program about religious culture,” Watters said
If you dont know anything about christian faith then how can we expose our bochrim and married to be involved in keeruv work . it doesnt work if u are clueless in this area.
It depends on precisely what they teach. It can always be taught in a manner which is mutar, and beyond that, a wink and a nod.
is this going to be mandatory for all schools?
when are people going to take astep back
and realize that children’s edjucation belong
to thier parent’s not the government
(muslum parents too)
I see nothing wrong with educating our children about the history and culture of our neighbors.
Being ignorant and condescending ensures only problems along the road