Seperation of church and state

[bbxx]

I saw this about a week ago. It seems those extremists are a sneaky bunch. Its good to see some parents are paying attention.

http://www.torontosun.com/2011/08/08/protest-against-muslim-prayer-services-in-schools

[adgal]

I suppose radicalism is always something we have to be on guard for.  There are certainly radical imams here just as much as anywhere.  And yes, it is good that parents are paying attention.  I wish more would do so, and know what is going on in their childrens lives.  

[bbxx]

Hi. :)
Thats interesting and understandable about people wanting equal rights. The article said the muslim parents were worried about the imams being radicals.
Either way, its always good when parents are paying attentinon to whats going on with their children in school.

[adgal]

Hey there and welcome back!!  I know a bit about this...I was just in Toronto a few weeks ago.  My parents live just outside there and I lived there for several years myself.

This is a huge issue, as it should be.  You know I am all for seperation of church and state.  I also personally do not believe in prayer in the public school system (just me, no offense intended).  And that applies to one and all.  Equality is equality, end of story.  I was shocked when this happened.  

What prompted it wasn't really extremism though.  Basically, because the Muslim religion calls for its devout to pray several times a day, the school system felt compelled to set aside a room for it's Muslim students to use for prayer.  So it's not school led or anything, it's just a place for the kids to go in private.  Problem is, the same courtesy is not extended to kids from other religious backgrounds.  

My issue with this is simple.  If you wish for your child to engage in religious activities in school, then send them to a religious based school.  And expense is not really an issue.  Most churches, mosques, temples, etc. will fund a family who wants their child to attend religious school.  In Toronto especially there are many schools geared for this.  It's a super multicultural city, so those opportunities are there.  A public school should be a place for education, and should not be expected to accomodate any one religious practice.