#ethics classes

"A High Court challenge, which contends the chaplaincy program contravenes the separation of church and state will be heard next month. It has been mounted by a Queensland father, Ron Williams, who was concerned chaplains had delivered religious counsel rather than impartial advice. Despite the definition on the federal government's website, Dr Cowling said that ''there are thousands of [chaplains] around the country and they're each defining it as they see it or their schools are defining it as they see it''. The term might also mislead the religious community ''into thinking that these people are promoting religion when in fact they're not supposed to''. The lack of any minimum welfare qualifications demanded by the federal program was also a concern, he said. ''In this particular area, we're pretty much saying, 'This is a pretty serious issue you're dealing with but you don't need to have any particular credentials'.''

Before ethics classes I studied Buddhism, which I found very stimulating. And before that because there was no alternative to scripture, many of my friends (myself included) were forced to spend many hours watching Lilo & Stitch on an old TV they had dug out of the janitor's cupboard.

Then when ethics classes were offered as an alternative we were all extremely excited and were really looking forward to our first lesson. The topics we discussed included cruelty to animals and human rights.

We were split into groups and asked to discuss these issues. Our teacher was thoughtful and prepared to listen to our opinions and let us debate the topics in class.

Many of my friends joined ethics classes and we enjoyed the process of collaboration that it encouraged, how it taught us to come to a consensus on many things.

The facts show that only 33 per cent of the world is Christian, and in NSW a quarter of children choose not to attend lessons on theological scripture. I think it is possible to be non-religious and a good person.

By all means, Mr Nile, you go out and be as Christian as you want; I respect that entirely. But that does not give you and your supporters the right to attempt to shape a future generation of adults in your mould – that is a religious conservative.

Your views are out of step with modern society, so I would ask you to reconsider your actions and continue to allow parents and children a choice in their classrooms.

So Mr Nile, I would be delighted if you would come and actually observe our ethics classes, so that you can see first-hand how they work.

And Premier Barry O'Farrell you promised to keep ethics classes. Mr Nile is trying to make you break your promises and undermine what you stand for.

I trust you not to be manipulated by a man who on Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras gets down on his knees and prays for rain.

Charlie Fine is 11 years old and attends a public school in the eastern suburbs of Sydney.