The disturbing recent account of Norwegian authorities seizing 5 children from their parents for ‘Christian indoctrination’ is a worrying example of the oppression of families who wish to teach their children Biblical principles that society sees as extreme. This got us thinking of how far-fetched it would be to see this cruel treatment of Christian parents in the UK. Worryingly, the signs indicate it may not be too long.
The Cornerstone School in Epsom recently closed after receiving an ‘inadequate’ OFSTED rating in every category. In his assessment, the watchdog’s chief inspector, Sir Michael Wilshaw, said pupils had a ‘limited view of the world’ and that they ‘were not given sufficient opportunities to learn about different cultures and the perspectives of others’. Despite this, the parents of the children who attended were fully supportive of the school and many are now left with no option but to send their kids to state schools. Headteacher, Grahame Davies, pointed out that ‘our school community is very upset and sad about this – it is not something that any of our parents wanted. The Ofsted inspectors acknowledged that Cornerstone parents are overwhelmingly happy with, and supportive of, the school. Our parents do not agree with Ofsted that Cornerstone is an inadequate school. What right does Ofsted have to overrule the wishes of parents?’ Mr Davies’ summarizes perfectly where he states, ‘Ofsted seem to be undermining the principle that children belong to their parents, not the state’.
It is quite clear that genuine care and concern of the children’s welfare is not on OFSTED’s agenda in this case. It is patently obvious that the Cornerstone School posed no danger or disadvantage to pupils whatsoever – in fact, the opposite is true. As an independent school, Cornerstone did not receive any taxpayers money and should not, therefore, be answerable to the government’s inspectorate. If parents felt the school was doing a bad job, they had the freedom to take their children out and opt for a different school. This appears to be a vindictive abuse of power in an attempt to force a humanistic worldview into a place where Christian principles were taught. So, who will OFSTED target next?
There are already government proposals for OFSTED to inspect churches, youth groups, Sunday schools, holiday camps, etc. which will almost certainly be used as an excuse to stop Christian values being taught to children outside the school environment as well. (We would urge you to respond to this consultation using this link)
There appears to be a concerted effort on the part of the authorities to restrict choice and interfere with a parents ability to exercise their own judgment when bringing up their children. Christian schools that fail to sanitize teaching in line with political correctness and religious universalism will be forced to close under the pretence of ‘intolerance’. We are quickly coming to a point where it will be impossible for Christian parents to find anywhere outside the home where Biblical values are taught.
Therefore, we feel it won’t be long before the government sets its sights on home-schooling families in their fanatical endeavour to remove the Christian faith from the home as well as society at large.
The continuing attempt on the part of the authorities to control every area of our lives and clamp down on anything that deviates from our secular humanistic culture is quickly gathering pace. Any mention of the Christian faith is being systematically removed from school and the work-place – it won’t be long before a full-blown home-invasion is underway! There is obviously good reason to empower the authorities in dealing with cases of child abuse, neglect and crime. Additionally, the recent rise in the threat of Islamic terrorism will accelerate the rush to create more legislation to ‘protect’ us. However, these powers will be used in ways not intended and Bible-believing Christian’s are always the softest targets which makes them easy fodder for power-hungry and results-driven bureaucrats. Unfortunately, the example cited from Norway could be something we also see in this country before too long…
And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. (Deuteronomy 6:6-7)
Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate. (Psalm 127:3-5)
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