What's Happened to Scotland? Atheist Handbooks Given to Parents so Pupils Can Challenge Religion in School

Julie Brown Patton : Aug 22, 2016
Gospel Herald

Sources in the Scottish government said they received regular complaints from parents and pupils, and they believe the guides would help "empower the two-thirds of non-religious young people in Scotland."

(Scotland)—[Gospel Herald] Scottish law requires public schools to host six religious observance sessions a year, although school officials may choose to have more. To counterbalance, representatives of the Humanist Society Scotland (HSS) now are providing to parents who are concerned about religious influence in schools an atheist handbook as a guide for how to challenge teachers. (Photo: Gospel Herald)

New HSS materials are entitled "A Guide for Non-Religious Parents" and "A Guide for Non-Religious Young People." The goal of the handbooks is to assist others with understanding human rights regarding religious classes. The books include advice on how to opt out of religious observance, what resources are available to schools, and how to make a complaint when one feels their rights have not been respected. HSS also provides templates for opt-out letters.

HSS spokespersons said they received regular complaints from parents and pupils, and they believe the guides would help "empower the two-thirds of non-religious young people in Scotland."

A new campaign, called Enlighten Up was launched by HSS, with the goal of training Humanist School Visitors to participate in classes, group discussions and debates.

Gary McLelland, HSS head of communications, told Christian Today:  "Many people across Scotland feel..."

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