-
News & Events
-
Take Action
-
Learn
-
About
Religion and rainbow ideology at odds in schools
The conflict between religion and rainbow ideology is being realised in schools across the globe. Teachers, other school staff and students are bearing the brunt of activism being played out on school grounds.
A UK chaplain has even been reported to an anti-terrorism programme, called Prevent, for daring to tell students they could weigh up the information presented to them and draw their own conclusions about rainbow ideology.
The Reverend Dr Bernard Randall told pupils at independent Trent College near Nottingham that they were allowed to disagree with the measures, particularly if they felt they ran contrary to Church of England principles.
Among them was a plan to ‘develop a whole school LGBT+ inclusive curriculum’.
Having decided that Dr Randall’s sermon was ‘harmful to LGBT’ students, the school flagged him to Prevent, which normally identifies those at risk of radicalisation.
Unsurprisingly, the Police said that he posed ‘no counter terrorism risk, or risk of radicalisation’.
In his sermon to the students Randall presented reasonable, logical, scientific and religious arguments for tolerance, respect and engagement with issues.
“Now when ideologies compete, we should not descend into abuse, we should respect the beliefs of others, even where we disagree. Above all, we need to treat each other with respect, not personal attacks – that’s what loving your neighbour as yourself means.
“By all means discuss, have a reasoned debate about beliefs, but while it’s OK to try and persuade each other, no one should be told they must accept an ideology. Love the person, even where you profoundly dislike the ideas. Don’t denigrate a person simply for having opinions and beliefs which you don’t share.
“You should no more be told you have to accept LGBT ideology than you should be told you must be in favour of Brexit, or must be Muslim – to both of which I’m sure most of you would quite rightly object.
“So I want to say to everyone, but especially to those who have been troubled, that you are not obliged to accept someone else’s ideology. You are perfectly at liberty to hear ideas out, and then think, ‘No, not for me’.
“No one has the right to tell you that you must lie about these matters, to say things you sincerely believe to be false – that is the tactic of totalitarianism and dictatorship.”
As if to prove his point the Reverend was reported for terrorism!
Toby Young, of the Free Speech Union, said: ‘This is a fantastic sermon, reminding us no one has a monopoly on moral truth. For Bernard Randall to lose his job as a result of this sermon is scandalous.
‘What’s so depressing about his treatment is the message it sends to the pupils. The central theme of his sermon is that children shouldn’t be afraid to think for themselves. But the message the school has sent is the opposite. Schools should be teaching children how to think, not what to think.’
Randall is now suing the school, who threatened to censor any future sermons, with discrimination, harassment, victimisation and unfair dismissal.
Binary spokeswoman, Kirralie Smith, said the treatment of the Reverend was unacceptable.
“The only thing that Randall incited the students to do was to listen, respond lovingly, use critical thinking and draw their own conclusions. Radical gender activists are never satisfied with evidence-based arguments, relying instead on highly emotive accusations that have no substance. Cancellation and censorship are their weapons of choice and they must be challenged over this unacceptable behaviour.”
Do you like this page?