Why did a Catholic school cancel a talk by a children's author?

Teachers have gone on strike, trustees have resigned, others have been sacked, after the Archdiocese of Southwark asked a school to cancel a talk by a gay children's author. The talk by Simon James Green had been due to take place at a World Book Day event at The John Fisher School in Purley, Croydon, on 3 March.

In a statement issued that day, Dr Simon Hughes, Director of Education at Southwark Archdiocese, said: "From time to time materials or events emerge for consideration that fall outside the scope of what is permissible in a Catholic school. In such circumstances, we have no alternative but to affirm our unequivocal and well-known theological and moral precepts and to act in accordance with them."

An OFSTED report dated Monday, 25 April, based on an inspection which took place at The John Fisher School on 16 March, praised many aspects of the school's work, particularly pointing out: "Relationships and sex education is comprehensive and meets the expectations set out in government guidance. Pupils are taught the importance of respect for all, including those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender."

It said: "Pupils are also taught age-appropriate information about positive and healthy relationships, including consent. Staff ensure that pupils feel confident in raising and talking about potentially sensitive topics, for instance those related to pornography, sexting and harmful sexual behaviour. Staff deliver the curriculum with confidence because leaders ensure that they are well trained and knowledgeable. Pupils appreciate that they receive clear, factual information and that any questions they have are handled sensitively. "

But the report also noted that the Archdiocese's attempt to impose an interim executive board was made "unilaterally and without due regard to the published statutory guidance regarding the appointment of IEBs." It said it was essential that "all parties take swift and suitable steps to finalise suitable governance arrangements, and in turn ensure that the governing body can function fully and effectively. These events, including the media attention that has come with them, have unnerved and upset many in the school community."

On Thursday, 28 April, the National Education Union called a strike in protest at the ban. Daniel Kebede, national president of the National Education Union said: "Staff and pupils are absolutely gutted about what has happened. Banning a gay author from attending a book talk in the school sends out a really horrific message to the young people in this school and particularly to those who may be gay or lesbian. I would like everybody to consider how those particular children feel right now."

About 40 people gathered outside the school gates to protest. Simon James Green sent chocolate cakes to the demonstrators. The school had to close because of a shortage of staff.

That same day, Southwark Archdiocese issued a statement explaining that they had written to Ofsted asking it to review the report which it says had "inaccuracies" and contained "evidence appearing to be drawn solely from media reports".

The Archdiocese said: "Respect for the God-given dignity of each human life sits at the heart of Catholic education and respect is a two-way street…Literature that insults the faith, which in the case of Mr Green's book was a highly sexualised rewriting of the Lord's Prayer, understandably causes offence to many Christians, and as such has no place in a Catholic school."

Note: I didn't think the text was suitable for publication on ICN. Please read the parody of the Our Father, from Simon James Green's book for children, 'Noah Can't Even', chapter 13, on pages 124-125 here: www.rcaoseducation.org.uk/.

LINKS

OFTSED Report on The John Fisher School - www.johnfisherschool.org/ckfinder/userfiles/files/10230805%20The%20John%20Fisher%20School%20Report%20103009.pdf

Archdiocese of Southwark statements, with the parody Our Father text: www.rcaoseducation.org.uk/