Al0 - Friday, November 2, 1984 - North Shore News CROSS- opposing views on the issues of the day School prayers By JOANNE MacDONALD West Vancouver's decision to return prayer to schools reopens an old debate on education and religion “The absolute minimum that should be done." NIGEL BARTTELOT, struction in the schools. WV management consul- It’s possible to have a tant broad spectrum of dif- ‘*I believe there should ferent religions covered in be some religious educa- the schools. Look at the tion at both the primary way of the world right and secondary level. | now. The world could be believe the reading of a better place if people prayers is the absolute understood religions — minimum that should be what they stood for, what done. | believe it’s part of they are and where they people’s lives and it originated from. should be part of the school curriculum. ‘‘I’m not mad about the idea of teachers and students writing notes because they object to prayers as a matter of conscience. | could have conscientious reasons about not hearing history Or some other subject It’s just another copout, another compromise This is a Christian coun try People in the school “*Most of the world is in a mess due to religious system should recognize strife Look at what hap that Yet ['m told this isa pened to Indira Gandhi, multi-cultural country look at Northern Ireland and they say they would Relhhgion has divided peo find wo difficult to decide — ple If they understood it, what to include in the this wouldn't happen lessons ss That's a total “Taq opt out simply copout because some people “hb think there should might be offended. is ab be proper religious in solute drivel "° Fall PATTERN Sale McCALLS $929 all patterns sale VOGUE e BUTTERICK ond SIMPLICITY patter SAVE 30% QUILTEDS & COORDINATES ‘SJ patterns *placemats home deco ac CeSSONes ® hide grits NOW 40% OFF SALE ENOS NOVEMBER 3, 1984. Cateat foor Aeneas Corfts! ALBEE’S SEWING CENTRE | WES Eh cen ue TOA Wa ete ae 986-1341 Quality, CLAUS SPIEKERMANN Principal Queen Mary Community School ‘In this .school, we have at least 9 racial or ethnic groups. To have prayers, we would have to cover 19 different groups and there is just no time for that. First of all, it’s impractical from a time management view- point, and secondly, it’s a private matter that should be dealt with at home. ‘“‘l see nothing wrong with teachers and stu- dents who object to the prayers, bringing in notes. It’s one way to ex- clude them. But this should only be done as long as these people are not made an example of, if they are not accused of not being morally sound. “We would have to cover 19 different groups. This has happened in other jurisdictions, where some groups have derided them. “As for teachers being required to have their notes approved by the Superintendent of Schools, that is not ac- ceptable. | think this is an issue that can be handled by principals and teach- ers. ‘| think the main And while youre atit drop in and see the Big Guy's new look! Ina continuing effort to better serve his friends, the Big Guy is renovating his Parts and Service Departments. Value, Reliability and Satisfaction for Fifteen Years. .- COME TAKE A LOOK. DICK IRWIN CHEVROLET OLDSMOBILE 845 Marine, North Vancouver, 98725231 re reason prayers in the schools have fallen by the wayside is because we've become a multi-cultural society. We're no longer a single or dual-tract country, such as a Pro- testant-Catholic society. We have Sikhs and Viet- namese in our schools — that’s why we couldn't impose such readings on these students. I’m aghast at schools that insist on having morning prayers. They’re not trusting the families and letting them set the moral path at home. **The Big Brother ap- proach, where we’re told what to do and when to pray is the antithesis of Christianity. That’s what happening in the States. Ronald Reagan is trying to set the mora! tone of the whole country."’ GOT COMPANY That's right! Soon the Big Guy's North Shore friends will be able to conveniently shop in the new Capilano Village Square adjacent to the Chevrolet /Oldsmobile dealership. Join him, why don’t you, in welcoming his new neighbours.