SCHOOL CHAPLAIN PROGRAM ‘TO END IN 2011?’
The recently announced Federal Budget only contains funding until next year to schools currently participating in the School Chaplaincy program.
Federal Member for Berowra, Philip Ruddock said this week that ‘there are no guarantees that the program will proceed into the future.’
Established under the Howard Government, a survey has shown that 97% of school principals who have engaged a chaplain, strongly support the program and recognise the benefits it has brought to their school community.
‘While this is not the biggest issue of the day, it is worth a mention.’
Mr Ruddock said many people had contacted his office when the program was previously under threat, ‘so I know there is a great deal of support for it within the community.’
‘Indeed, the Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has described school chaplains as the ‘glue’ that holds school communities together.’
The Federal Government had planned a review of the program in 2010, but this has not yet eventuated, leaving the future of the program ‘looking very vague indeed’.
‘The work which chaplains do in schools is exceedingly valuable and practical. They support students and the school community in general, offering pastoral care and guidance across a broad range of religious denominations and beliefs.’
With modern society seeking tolerance and harmony, Mr Ruddock said he felt this program made a most positive contribution to our way of life.