The work of parish catechists in delivering Special Religious Education in New South Wales state schools has been recognised in the state’s Parliament. Source: The Catholic Weekly.
This motion of recognition was first proposed at the end of 2024, following a successful November celebration of SRE held at NSW Parliament House.
The process was delayed by the Greens, who continue to be unsupportive of SRE, along with other left-leaning and anti-faith groups.
Undeterred, Liberal MLC Rachel Merton moved that the legislature recognise that “SRE programs are integral to the moral and spiritual development of students, teaching about faith, ethics, tradition and values”, and are of “great benefit to young Australians, as they are taught to foster tolerance, respect, understanding and other key values.”
The motion also sought to note that volunteers are central to the delivery of SRE programs, and that their service is commendable, noting finally that “‘this House’ recognises the SRE program as being an integral part of the education environment in New South Wales.”
The motion advocating for the important place of SRE was supported by Labor and Coalition members and opposed by the Greens, Legalise Cannabis and Animal Justice Party members.
The Catholic Church remains the biggest provider of SRE in NSW. The employment of support staff, training, resources, curriculum materials, and other logistical provisions to support parental choice for faith formation comes at a significant cost.
Wollongong Bishop Brian Mascord, tasked with representing the interests of the NSW Catholic Bishops with governmental and departmental representatives for SRE, expressed his gratitude that this motion of support and recognition was passed.
Bishop Mascord said that “while none of our SRE catechists do this great work for recognition, it will be a source of great encouragement for them to know that both the Labor Party and the Coalition are so unified in their support of SRE and appreciative of their efforts”.
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Great work of parish catechists lauded in state parliament (By Jude Hennessy, The Catholic Weekly)
