60 write to CEN asking for delay to implementation of RSE in schools
Church of England Newspaper November 29
Sir, Early adoption of the new Relationships and Sex Education Regulations (RSE), which becomes mandatory in September 2020, has provoked countrywide protests and safeguarding concerns. Further time is needed to ensure that the controversy is properly resolved.
SRE was introduced in 1993 to safeguard children against the threat of HIV/Aids, STIs and to prevent teenage pregnancies. It failed. The expressed aim of the new Regulations is not protection, but to teach children ‘British values’ – to prepare them for life in modern Britain. Their introduction has justifiably provoked controversy.
We raise the following concerns:
- Well-funded lobbying organisations are being allowed to promote their propaganda in schools. Such political activity is illegal and needs investigation.
- Much ideological material is being introduced top-down, without proper consultation and over-riding parental concerns.
- Many concerned parents, including those from minority ethnic communities, are being condemned for protesting against teaching that violates their faith or best judgement. Schools have not respected their concerns. This overrides their civil liberties and human rights as parents.
- The RSE provisions, as framed, prematurely sexualise children and confuse their natural development. Children from the age of four are being taught that gender is a matter of choice, which pushes them towards permanently life-changing decisions they lack the competence to make.
- The parental right to withdraw children from teaching they deem inappropriate has been downgraded at secondary level to a right of request. This is a violation of parental rights under UK and international law.
The new Regulations have already proved controversial, yet the time for preparation and possible negotiation, combined with proper training and guidance, has been foreshortened due to the unforeseen election. The date set for compliance must be delayed in order to give time for the issues to be resolved.
Rev Lynda Rose, CEO, Voice for Justice, UK
Lord Curry of Kirkharle
Dr A Majid Katme (MBBCh,DPM), Ex-President, Islamic Medical Association/UK
Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali, former Bishop of Rochester
Sir Anthony Seldon, Vice-Chancellor of The University of Buckingham
Bishop Henry Scriven, Hon Asst Bishop of Oxford and Winchester
Bishop Keith Sinclair, Bishop of Birkenhead
Rabbi Shraga Stern
Amir Ahmed, Birmingham Parent Forum
Sola Aina, HR Analyst
Dr Tope Aina, Paediatrician
Pastor Henry Akintunde, Lead Minister, Christ Image Assembly, Northampton
Professor Geoffrey Alderman, Professor of Politics and History, University of Buckingham
Rev Isaac Attram. Youth Rescue Project Inc.
Rev Simon Austen, Rector, St. Leonard’s Exeter
Rt Rev Dr Gavin Ashenden, Bishop, the Christian Episcopal Church
Canon David Banting, Member of General Synod
Dr Stephen Brooke, Specialist in Child Health
Belinda Brown, Writer/Researcher
Sidney C Cordle MBE, Leader Christian Peoples Alliance
Ed Costelloe, Chairman, Grassroots Conservatives
Dr Alison Davies MRCGP
Cllr Mary Douglas, Wiltshire Council
Jane Ezimako, Recruiter
Caroline Farrow, Campaign Director CitizenGO UK and Ireland
Sarah Finch, Member of General Synod
Fr. Francis Gardom, Priest and Philanthropist
Rev’d Dr Jules Gomes, Editor of Rebel Priest
Kathy Gyngell, Editor, The Conservative Woman
Benjamin Harris-Quinney, Chairman The Bow Group
Rev David Holloway, Vicar of Jesmond, Newcastle
Emmanuel Ibitomisin, Accountant
Clive Ireson, Association of Christian Teachers
Clifford Jacob, Bsc PGCE High school teacher
Dr Will Jones, Writer
Louise Kirk, UK Co-ordinator, Alive to the World.
David Kurten, London Assembly Member
Dr Peter May MRCGP
Susan Mason B.Bus., M.A., CPA School Gate Campaign
Edmund Matyjaszek, B.A. Principal, Priory School our Lady of Walsingham, IoW
Dr Julie Maxwell, Community Paediatrician
Cllr Delyth Miles, Walton on the Naze
Rev Barry Morrison, Higher Education Chaplain
Ngozi Nduka, Solicitor
The Revd Dr John Nolland, Former Vice-Principal, Trinity College Bristol
Dr Lisa Nolland, Convenor, Marriage, Sex, Culture Group, Anglican Mainstream
Rev. Dr. Temilolu Odejide, Senior Pastor, House on the Rock London
Pastor Efe Oluwatosin, Parish Pastor – RCCG House of Joy for all Nations.
Joseph Oluwatosin, Retired Accountant
Pastor Seyi Olusile, Resident Pastor World Global Harvest Church
Pastor Kunle Oyedeji, Lead Pastor The Cornerstone Church
Rev James Paice, Southwark Good Stewards Trust
Canon Charles Raven, Head of Operations, Global Anglican Future Conference
Dr Christopher Shell, Manager, St Paul’s by Westminster Cathedral
Kola Taiwo, Senior Pastor New Wine Church, Woolwich
Dr. C.K.Tan, Member of General Synod, Church of England
John Tan, Marketing & Operations Manager
Rev Melvin Tinker, St John’s, Newlands, Hull
Dr Kevin Vaughan MB B Chir
Dr.Thomas Ward, President of the National Association of Catholic Families
Alan J Williams MA, Chairman Support 4 the Family
Canon Dr Chris Sugden, Chairman, Anglican Mainstream
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