Post by Kiwi Frontline on May 21, 2016 18:16:09 GMT 12
PRAYER BAN CAUSES CULTURAL UNEASE
Academics Paul Moon and Mamari Stephens are warning the issues raised in a case relating to religious instruction and Red Beach School north of Auckland could affect the ability of schools and kura to include karakia as part of their activities.
Ms Stephens, a senior law lecturer at Victoria University in Wellington, says a prayer or karakia is a standard part of most Maori activities, even when people aren't otherwise religious.
That could clash with the Education Act prescription that religious instruction or observance can only happen when schools are closed.
"There’s a very thinline between what's religious and what's not religious, what's spiritual and what's religious or what's spiritual and cultural and so. Karakia is pretty common. I think the threat is actually more real than I had thought that it was, she says…..
www.waateanews.com/waateanews/x_story_id/MTM2NDk=
Academics Paul Moon and Mamari Stephens are warning the issues raised in a case relating to religious instruction and Red Beach School north of Auckland could affect the ability of schools and kura to include karakia as part of their activities.
Ms Stephens, a senior law lecturer at Victoria University in Wellington, says a prayer or karakia is a standard part of most Maori activities, even when people aren't otherwise religious.
That could clash with the Education Act prescription that religious instruction or observance can only happen when schools are closed.
"There’s a very thinline between what's religious and what's not religious, what's spiritual and what's religious or what's spiritual and cultural and so. Karakia is pretty common. I think the threat is actually more real than I had thought that it was, she says…..
www.waateanews.com/waateanews/x_story_id/MTM2NDk=