Family Party Opposes Sunday School Licensing

Paul Adams, Deputy Leader of The Family Party said today that the idea of the government forcing churches to license their Sunday Schools was further evidence of unwelcomed state interference in family and community life.

Education Minister Chris Carter has confirmed that a gathering of three children under adult supervision constitutes an early childhood education unit, so must be fully licensed.

“Sunday Schools have functioned wonderfully in our country and are a fundamental part of church, community and family life. There is absolutely no justification for the government to set foot in the church and dictate how it carries out its activities,” says Mr Adams.

Mr Adams said Sunday Schools provided invaluable character based education for children and allowed parents to enjoy and participate in church services under the same roof.

“What will be the impact on churches that run Sunday schools but don’t have the resource or wherewithal to meet government compliance? Families are less likely to attend church because they don’t have child facilities, which is totally contrary to family and community life.”

“I thought the church and state weren’t meant to mix? New Zealand’s church community is well capable of continuing the traditions of Christian education without the government controlling how it does it,” he added.

ENDS

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